Look at what Paul says earlier in that chapter.
“17 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19 No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. 20 So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, 21 for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. 22 Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!”
And v. 29.
“29 For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.”
If the body of Christ was not actually present, why would Paul comment on discerning it?
If your statement was true, Paul would have mentioned cannibalism when mentioning the things that result in eating and drinking unworthily.
Also, at the very beginning of this discussion I mentioned that some things are forbidden in Scripture, but with very specific exceptions.
You asked, “If the body of Christ was not actually present, why would Paul comment on discerning it?” IF you read the Bible, you know the Body of Christ IS PRESENT, the believers there for communion ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST.
“If the body of Christ was not actually present, why would Paul comment on discerning it?”
Context is relationships within the local assembly - the Body of Christ locally. Paul warns against damage to those relationships.
To take the bread and wine worthily requires examining those relationships in order to avoid decisions.
Best to you br’er.