Kara Conniff

by Kara Conniff

In 1 Corinthians chapter 11: 20-34, Paul is writing to the Corinthians about his concern for the way they’re conducting The Lord’s Supper. 

First let’s talk about what the Lord’s Supper or Last Supper was about. When Jesus knew that his time was coming to an end, he shared a meal with his disciples called The Last Supper. Here is the text found in Matthew 26:26-30.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke 

it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives (NIV).

After Jesus went to heaven, believers were told to do this in remembrance of him. Paul got wind that things weren’t going so well at these meals in Corinth and he had some things to say about it. He writes them a letter to tell them that they needed to stop treating it like every other meal. “You must never let familiarity breed contempt” (1 Corin. 11:26).

When I read this passage today, I was floored. I was also sad and remorseful. 

And encouraged!

And inspired!

When you know better you do better!

During this time, believers would’ve met weekly on Sundays, the first day of the week, for an Agape Feast. “It is a spiritual meal–a love fest” (1 Corin. 11:33). This would’ve been a full meal just like Jesus shared with his disciples and at some point they would’ve paused to break the bread and drink the wine in remembrance of what Jesus did for us–gave his life. The Corinthians had turned it into a gluttonous and drunken affair. They were not truly remembering the sacrifice of Jesus and honoring him. 

Paul’s life was completely changed when he met Jesus. He literally went from being Saul, an unbelieving persecutor of Christians, to Paul–a man on fire for Jesus. Paul taught the Corinthians all about Jesus and he’s so disappointed in their actions. 

Fast forward almost 2,000 years. Can you even imagine Paul writing a letter to the Church in America? What would he write to my family? I’m not gonna attempt a Paul-style letter, but I am going to take Paul’s sentiments to heart and make some changes. 

Here are some goals:

Pray before meals: I’m sad to say that this has not been a habit of mine. Growing up I was embarrassed by everything and never wanted to draw attention to myself. My post-40 persona is now more concerned with orienting my heart toward God and Jesus and what better way than to pause before eating to say thank you. Thank you for this daily bread. 

Prayerfully bake a loaf of bread each week: I read a book called By Bread Alone by Kendall Vanderslice and it was a beautiful tribute to baking as worship and significance of the spirituality of bread. I want to bake a loaf and throughout the process meditate on the goodness of God, his promise to provide, and what bread stands for in the Bible. He is the bread of life. Taste and remember. He was also broken for us. Taste and remember.

Have an Agape Feast on Sundays: I explained earlier that the Agape Feast/Love Fest is more than a meal. It’s a time for people to come together and enjoy life and enjoy community around the table. It’s a time to eat together to be physically nourished and spiritually filled as well. Before the start of the meal, I would like to light a candle and say the Lord’s Prayer. At the end of the meal, I’d like to take communion and slow down and remember. The people in attendance can vary, but the goal and message will remain the same. 

Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Jason Upton wrote a song called Every Table is an Altar, which inspired the title of this essay. 

Here are some of the lyrics:

Every table is an altar

Every breath is a gift from you

Every moment is a treasure

Every day is a gift from you (stanza 1)

Break the bread, pour the wine

Let our hearts come alive

In your presence, in your presence

Let our fear fall away

Let our faith rise today

In your presence, in your presence (stanza 5)

Upton, J. (2007). Every table is an altar. On Every table is an altar. Key of David Music.

Vanderslice, K. (2023). By bread alone: A baker’s reflections on hunger, longing, and the goodness of God. Fortress Press.