LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY TO RECEIVE YOU...

During the Celebration of Mass, when the Priest raises the consecrated Host and announces: "This is Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, Blessed are those invited to the Lord's Supper". The whole assembly responds, "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You, but only say a Word and I shall be healed."

This answer is taken from the Gospel passage in which a Roman centurion makes his confession of full faith in Jesus (Mt 8:8-9). That Roman soldier knew that Jesus could heal, that his word was enough. Thus we, before receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, make this confession of faith.

"I am not worthy to receive You..." I am a sinner, and yet you want to be in me, to feed me, to strengthen me, and to give me life.

"But only say a Word and I shall be healed..." I believe, Lord, that communion with you heals, protects, strengthens and saves. Therefore, when you receive the Host, receive it with humility, with faith, and with gratitude.

Fr. Tarcisio