But we're all
unworthy of the Body
and Blood of Christ
are we not?
How can we
receive our Holy Communion
worthily?
It doesn't matter
if we've confessed our sins
and repented
does it?
We're still
not worthy of
such a wonderful
sacrament
- the Body and Blood
of Jesus Christ
our God.
So how can we ever
receive the Body and Blood
of Our Lord Jesus Christ
worthily?
[PAUSE]
When we read our Bible
we do have to take care
that we understand that
sometimes things get
a bit muddled in translation.
When St Paul
says that we must
not eat and drink
unworthily
he is referring specifically
to the rather raucous meals
that used to precede
the Eucharist.
People at these meals
get drunk
some go hungry
others overeat
- it doesn't bring our
minds to the last supper.
These folk aren't eating
and drinking in remembrance
of Him
They have forgotten.
It is not the people
who are unworthy
but they are treating the Eucharist
unworthily
- it is not worth their
undivided attention.
Indeed, St John reminds us
that there was someone
who did not treat the first Eucharist
at the Last Supper as being
worthy of his time.
Judas only sees the worth
of Christ too late,
for his treatment
of the Body of Christ
means that he knows
that he has eaten and drunk
damnation upon himself
as the thirty pieces of silver
rattle in his pocket.
St Paul is quite clear.
If we do not treat
the Eucharist with respect
then we eat and drink
damnation upon ourselves.
It is precisely because
of St Paul's words
that we Catholics
now receive the sacrament
in our Mass.
People may laugh
and poke fun
at the elaborate rituals
and ceremonies,
but for us
offering the sacrifice of the Mass
is the pinnacle of worship,
greater than singing pious songs
greater than listening
to long passages of Scripture,
greater than erudite and learned sermons
greater than confessing our sins.
It is the pinnacle of our worship
because we are doing what
we are told to do.
We do this in remembrance
of Our Lord.
This isn't a casual memory
like thinking back
to the last meal you had
with good friends.
This is a bringing to mind,
making presents
the Body and Blood of Christ
according to the ancient rites
of the Holy Church.
The Mass exists
precisely in order to make sure
that no-one brings
damnation upon themselves
by being reckless
like Nadab and Abihu
who were reckless with
the Ark of the Covenant
and were burnt up.
It is why we have a duty
to educate our layfolk
to ensure that we are prepared
to meet with Our Lord Himself
as we take Him into
the inmost part of our very selves,
not as bread and wine
but making sure
that we know the Body and Blood
of the One Who deems us worthy
of His love
and Who trusts that we believe
Him to be worthy
of our love.
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