1 Cor 11:27-34 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 30For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. 33Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come.

1. What is the meaning of “unworthy manner”?

St. Paul explains that this means “not discerning the Lord’s body.” When a person partakes of the Eucharist and does not totally believe in its reality as the body and blood of Christ. As Judas did not discern the reality of Jesus as the Son of God, taking Him to be an ordinary human being with special gifts, perceiving only what his senses can get, he received condemnation. So also, a person who receives the body and blood, taking them to be ordinary bread and wine, not discerning the mystery, takes condemnation for themselves. This lack of discerning would be manifested both in thoughts and in actions. No one can take of the Eucharist except those who are baptized first.

2. What is the meaning of “guilty”?

He carries some of Judas’ sin.

3. What are the three degrees of “judgment”?

The first degree is to judge oneself before partaking of the Eucharist. This leads a person to examine themselves, repent, and confess. The second degree is to partake of the Eucharist without judging oneself, which leads to God disciplining us by “weakness, sickness, death.” In doing so, God as a Father, saves us from being “judged with the world,” i.e. the last judgment.

Wisdom of Solomon 6:10 “For they will be made holy who keep holy things piously, and those who are taught holy things will find a defense”