February 27, 2011 – 1 Corinthians 11

“I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions, just as I handed them on to you.” Verse 2.  I still cannot understand a person being so adamant about following a teaching of the “Bible Alone” when this clearly shows that Paul was telling them to follow traditions that he handed to them.  Tradition is a part of Christian belief.  Not to mention that the following of a “Bible Alone” theology is a tradition. 

Verses 27 and 29.  Why is it such a condemnation of sharing in the cup and bread if they are only mere symbols of Christ Body and Blood.  Doesn’t it make more sense that if Paul was teaching that they are actually Christ Body and Blood and you partake of them in an unworthy manner, then you have such condemnation.  This is why non-Catholics are not permitted to receive the Eucharist at a Catholic Mass.  We believe that it is the Real Body and Blood and that in receiving it you are saying that you are in Communion with the Church and all it teaches and believe this to truly be Christ Body and Blood.  If you are not Catholic, or happen to be a Catholic by name only and don’t believe in what the Church teaches, you are not suppose to receive because your receiving the Eucharist is a lie.  There is no commitment there, no communion.  And to receive it and be lying puts you in a sinful place.  The Church restricts people from receiving for their own benefit, so that they will not “[eat] and [drink] judgment on himself”