Solemnity of the Body and Blood

All these years later, I still can’t watch the movie Titanic. It’s just too terrifying. I was especially shocked to realize that the measure of who lived and died was exactly commensurate with how much money they had.

The wealthy, luxuriating in first class, had access to the limited number of lifeboats. Those who booked passage in steerage would not have the chance to survive that—everyone understood— belonged first to those who had a lot of money.

I think of that while listening to Paul’s letter to the Corinthians today. We only hear the section where he recounts the events of the Last Supper, but what comes before and after those words betrays Paul’s real message.

Just before he recounts the words of Jesus at the Last Supper (called the Institution Narrative), he scolds the Corinthians for taking a Titanic-type approach to the meal the Christians share in each other’s homes, in which the Eucharist is celebrated.

At the table, the rich get the nine places closest to the host. Those struggling to make ends meet are consigned to the atrium, the outer chamber, where they may or may not get anything to eat at all.

So, Paul says, (1Cor. 11: 17-22), some go ahead with their private suppers, and some have nothing to eat. Some get drunk while others go hungry. And then they scandalously receive the Eucharist!

St. Paul is appalled that such divisions should exist at the Eucharist, of all places. He reminds them of Jesus’ last words, because they speak of the eternal unity of the Bread, the Cup, and those who receive.

Happy Feast Day, Church. This is the feast that tells us who we are.

Do you remember your First Communion with joy?

Kathy McGovern ©2025 www.thestoryandyou.com