I always tell Catholics that they know a lot more Scripture than they think they do. This is because the Mass is loaded with Scripture; and that’s over and above the many readings at every Mass! Perhaps the best example of this is right before we receive Communion. First, the priest elevates the host and quotes John 1:29 and Revelation 19:9 “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” The congregation responds with a quote from Mathew 8:8. Jesus agrees to go to the home of a Roman centurion and heal his servant. The centurion replies, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant shall be healed.” At Mass, we personalize the passage and pray that our “soul shall be healed. ” Isn’t it true that we are not worthy? Who are we to take the Author of Life, the God of the Universe onto our tongue and into our bodies? And yet, Jesus calls us to Himself. We are made worthy by His Blood, by His sacrifice. As we walk up to receive Jesus -Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – in Holy Communion, we pray for our healing. And just as Jesus healed the centurion’s servant, in the Eucharist, we are healed. Amen.
