Communion as Participation and Proclamation

Devotional Reflection, Wednesday, October 6 2021

Proper 22, the week of the nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

The Rev. David W. Perkins, Th.D.

Key phrases for reflection from today’s reading:

24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ . . . 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Today we celebrate the Feast of William Tyndale. (See below.)

Daily Office Lectionary Readings (BCP, 986)

AM Psalm 119:145-176; PM Psalm 128, 129, 130

2 Kings 22:14-23:3; 1 Cor. 11:23-34; Matt. 9:9-17

Morning Prayer, Rite 2, page 75, Book of Common Prayer

Evening Prayer, Rite 2, page 115, Book of Common Prayer

Compline (Night Prayer), Page 127, Book of Common Prayer

Daily Office Epistle, 1 Corinthians 11:23-34

23 For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, 24and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ 25In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. 28Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For all who eat and drink without discerning the body, eat and drink judgment against themselves. 30For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. 31But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. 32But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 33So then, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34If you are hungry, eat at home, so that when you come together, it will not be for your condemnation. About the other things I will give instructions when I come.

David's Reflections

This Epistle reading reveals much about the transmission of the Lord's Supper tradition and about the situation in the earliest church. For one thing, Paul’s account of Jesus' institution of the Eucharist predates the earliest Gospel version, Mark's, by at least 10 years. And, his account most closely resembles the form of the eucharistic words found in Luke, a Gospel written at least 20-30 years after 1 Corinthians.

This early written record verifies that the traditions which found their way into our Gospels were circulating as well-preserved accounts in oral and written form some time before the Gospels were composed. We have four accounts of the institution of the Eucharist--Matthew and Mark, close parallels; and Luke and Paul, close parallels. You will notice that Paul's and Luke's forms of the eucharistic words have influenced our prayer book, more so than Matthew's and Mark's. (NB Book of Common Prayer, pp. 361ff.)

We celebrate “in remembrance.” But remembrance means more than calling to mind. Rather, the underlying term anamnesis involves active participation in the saving events. The power of Christ’s saving death and resurrection become present in the celebration; his real presence comes to us in the elements of communion. You can think of communion as a miracle of time.

This passage also puts the responsibility on us to participate in the sacrament with integrity. The outer act of receiving the bread and wine, the body and blood of Jesus, must correspond with our inner attitude. If we receive the sacrament with confession, introspection, and reverence for Christ's living presence in the elements, we are nurtured and transformed and the unity of the church is strengthened. However, if our behaviors and our inner spirit are divisive and conflictual within the church, the outer act and the inner attitude will be in conflict; we, individually, and the larger church will suffer as a result.

One more remarkable statement by Paul calls out for notice. "as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes." The Eucharist proclaims visibly the significance of Christ's life, death, and resurrection as the way of eternal life and forgiveness. A church focused on the unchurched, inviting and including them can make Holy Eucharist into an "altar call" for faith in Jesus. What more vivid presentation of the message of God's saving love than for a person without faith to hear the Great Thanksgiving and experience Jesus for the first time in the community of faith at Christ’s table.

Who will you invite to go with you to worship this Sunday?

Collect of the Day, Proper 22 The sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP, 234)

Today we celebrate the Feast of William Tyndale (died 6 Oct 1536 CE), Bible translator.

http://www.satucket.com/lectionary/William_Tyndale.htm

Collect of the Feast of William Tyndale

Reveal to us your saving word, O God, that like your servant William Tyndale we might hear its call to repentance and new life. Plant in our hearts that same consuming passion to bring the scriptures to all people in their native tongue, and the strength to endure amidst all obstacles; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A Collect for Grace

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 100)

In Times of Personal Distress

Lord Christ, you came into the world as one of us, and suffered as we do. As we go through the trials of life, help us to realize that you are with us at all times and in all things; that we have no secrets from you; and that your loving grace enfolds us for eternity. In the security of your embrace we pray. Amen. (Enriching Our Worship: 2, p. 69)

A Prayer for Light

Grant us, Lord, the lamp of charity which never fails, that it may burn in us and shed its light on those around us, and that by its brightness we may have a vision of that holy City, where dwells the true and never-failing Light, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP, 110)

A Collect for Mission

Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honor of your Name. Amen. (BCP, 101)