Friday, February 20, 2026
Friday after Ash Wednesday
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Today we explore how Saint Paul addresses the problem of division in the Church in Corinth in chapter eleven of First Corinthians. The ultimate key to solving this division he states in verse 26: “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.”
Episode 8: Equality (Chapter 11)
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Recall, that the Christian community in Corinth gathered in one or several homes, most likely those of the wealthier folk who could accommodate the small crowd. However, this was not like other clubs or groups in Corinth which were socially organized by class or occupation or gender. Rather, these Christian gatherings included rich and slaves, men and women. Paul notes that he had handed on some traditions to govern such events. Even though Paul commends the community (11:2) for receiving these traditions, it seems that they were not remembered or they were misunderstood.
First, Paul deals with gender differences. This text is generally attacked these days as excessive patriarchalism. The dispute back then may have come from the tradition Paul handed on which may have been something like Galatians (3:28): “there is not male and female.” But, Paul now makes a distinction. This is where we might see that he distinguishes between what is socially acceptable and, at the same time, teaches the Christian view of social equality. These dinners were often open to outsiders who may not have been Christian or who might be somewhat curious about Christianity. Paul does not want to violate the acceptable gender differences of the broader community which might alienate these strangers. Here he cites Genesis to explain these sexual differences. How these differences would or should manifest themselves change from culture to culture, as we know.
On the other hand, Paul also notes that both men and woman pray and prophesy in the group (11:4-5). And later in our text (11:11), Paul asserts the equality of man and woman since all things come from God. Paul seems to believe in the basic and fundamental unity and equality of men and women in the Lord, especially due to Baptism, but wants the community to adhere to culturally sensitive gender expectations so as not to alienate the broader community they are trying to win over. These differences are not some justification for domineering of one gender over the other. The differences serve an outside, cultural purpose.
This then provides an opening to Paul to address another divisive activity tied to the worship service, something for which he does not praise the community (11:17). It seems that there was a custom of a meal prior to worship. Perhaps, this was the old agape meal. But it seems that the rich were eating regally and not sharing with the poor. Paul would just as soon have everyone eat at their own homes prior to the Christian assembly.
This is what then leads to the foundation of his argument, the behavior of the Lord at the Last Supper. This traditional teaching pre-dated Paul and his ministry to Corinth when he arrived about 51 AD. It is the oldest account of the Eucharistic celebration we have in the New Testament. It is also closest to Luke’ version. We Catholics obviously see this as an affirmation of our belief in the real presence of the Lord in the Eucharist, while many Protestants interpret it in other ways. Apart from this issue, it is clear that Paul wants the people who assemble to be willing to imitate Christ’s sacrificial gift of himself. Again, we should not stand on our own rights but do what is good for others. Love is to triumph, as we saw in chapters eight through ten.
Until next week, may God bless you,
+ Earl Boyea
Bishop of Lansing
P.S. Here is a video version of this week's talk. Please do share with friends and family. Thank you.