The body of Christ

Here’s another passage that we use in our communion services (1 Cor 11:27-29): “So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.  Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.  For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.”

I’ve always understood this passage, taken out of context, to be a reference to any un-repented sin. That’s probably a good understanding of the sacrament, but in the context of the verses that started Chapter 11, one phrase kind of jumps out: “discerning the body of Christ.” All of Paul’s talk about divisions in the church makes that seem like a specific reference to fellowship.

Could it be that Paul meant to give us a specific warning about taking communion if we’re in breach of fellowship with another believer? Could it be that what he’s really saying is something like, “Hey, don’t claim communion with the saints, don’t claim the body of Christ, if you’re guilty of shredding the body of your own church.”

Maybe that’s reading too much specificity into this passage, because that’s not how it’s usually explained. Probably this reference to body is instead to the body of Christ, sacrificed for us. But I don’t think Paul would object, given his frustration with the self-centeredness and divisiveness of some of the Corinthian Christians.
It’s a warning to me. I’m usually pretty courteous to people, but it’s pretty easy of me to think bad things about them in the privacy of my own mind. It’s pretty easy to become disgusted with church members who do things I don’t like. And I don’t very often repent of those mean-spirited thoughts, even though I’d be horrified if anyone ever heard them.

So maybe I ought to examine myself, not just before communion but before every worship service or fellowship opportunity. Maybe I should look at those around me and try to discern the body of Christ in them.