[reaction to OYB’s Aug. 17-20 readings]
After struggling with some advice that at least I question from Paul, today’s extended reading includes some of the most memorable bits from Corinthains. From 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26.
The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
Of course, it is actually in the middle of scolding them for having bad table manners. Then we get chapter 12, with the ever popular many-gifts-one-Spirit theme. Could we have planning retreats without this chapter? Finally, a little something that even the pagans will recognize. The Love Chapter. A must read for even the most secular of weddings. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Silliness aside, Paul wrote some important things; some meaningful things. And it is key to remember from time to time.
Today’s readings–because I stretched them to four days–also contained the entire book of Esther. Like the book of Job, it is such a compelling tale. Situational ethics galore. How to survive while in exile.