Crowded Table

1 Corinthians 11:23–26

       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 cup 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.

       In our reading today the Apostle Paul writes to invite the Corinthians back into a deeper sense of Christian community. The preceding verses have shown how the people’s social status of wealth and privilege was getting in the way of a faithful gathering around the Lord’s table. One simple phrase—“Do this in remembrance of me”— reminds them that the Lord’s Supper is not defined by “like people” with “like clothing” and elevated status. The Lord’s Table is for all people. Not a big country music fan, I once heard a song on Minnesota Public Radio called “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen. The chorus begins, “I want a house with a crowded table, and a place by the fire for everyone.” In a compelling way it reminded me that Christ invites all people to his table—even those who would soon betray him. This carpenter’s table and his story of faithfulness extends an invitation to the “saint and sinner” in all of us.

Prayer: Loving God, your invitation to the table does not make distinctions. Help us to do the same as we seek to gather at the table in your name. May our breaking of bread and the drinking of the cup truly be in remembrance of you. Amen.