Deacon's Corner: Scripture in the Mass
July 24, 2022, 12:00 PM
As Catholics, we know a lot more Scripture than we think we do. The Mass is loaded with it! Besides the Readings, a great example comes just before the reception of Holy Communion. The Priest elevates the Body and Blood of Christ and quotes John 1:29 and Revelation 19:9, when he says, “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.” We respond based on the Scripture passage where a Centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus says, “I will come and heal him.” 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” (Matthew 8:8). At Mass, we personalize the response and pray “and my soul shall be healed.” Are we worthy to receive Jesus? No, but saying we are not worthy demonstrates great faith and humility. We ask to be cleansed of our sins as we place our faith in the healing power of Jesus. Who are we to take the Lord of the Universe into our bodies? We are not worthy to receive Him, yet Jesus calls us to be in Communion with Him. We are made worthy when He says to each of us, “Be healed.” We ask God to “say the word” as He says to the Centurion, “Go and let it be done for you as you have believed” (Matthew 8:13). As we receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus, we pray for our healing. Just as Jesus healed the servant, He heals us, His servants. Now you know!