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, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, "This is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. (1 Cor. 11:23-26)
The shape of the community of the followers of Jesus is one ready to give of one's self for the welfare of others. Given and shed is a significant set of actions - especially when we hear that it is "for you." Again, this is not merely an individual or private matter. This is part of the make-up of a covenant community. This is part of the life that is handed over to the gathered bunch of saints so that the character of the crucified and resurrected Lord, Jesus, will continue to emerge within the daily routines of life in our world. We come to the Meal as ones invited to walk with Jesus into and through this world in a manner that is not the norm of the ways of this world. Paul brings out these words from the night Jesus was betrayed because the Corinthians, and all of us, must be reminded of the life of all when we gather within God's Reign as it unfolds around us.
Connection: We call these words the "words of institution" and the institution that comes into being is the living Reign of God. How is that being established around you today...already.
When we take and eat and take and drink, we are captivated by your love, O Lord of Life. Take our hearts and minds and lives and shape them with your love so that as we face one another, our neighbors, our enemies, and friends, we will face them as you face us freely and with life abundant. Amen.
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