The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 18, 2006
Monday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33
Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17
Luke 7:1-10
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
In today's readings we ponder on the very celebration of the Lord's Supper at Mass. We come to celebrate the Eucharist at Mass, but at what state of mind and body do we enter into this Feast? Do we come after sinful acts, and do we judge others who are present with condescending thoughts? Or do we try to prepare ourselves and enter into holiness in order to receive Jesus rightfully? "For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body (of Christ), eats and drinks judgment on himself." (Corinthians 11:29) We as the people of the Lord should mentally, spiritually, and physically internalize the meaning of His death in order to prepare to receive Him.
The Gospel reading of Luke extends the essential need for interior preparation when receiving Jesus' body and blood in the Eucharist. The centurion deeply valued and stressed that Jesus is Lord and Master over him, as he is over his slaves. He has such great faith that he humbled himself before Jesus as a sign of love and gratitude.
We, as Jesus' followers, must humble ourselves before Him in the Eucharist. He is our Lord and Saviour. Entering into a humbled state prepares us to receive Jesus as our Lord and strength; ". . . I did not consider myself worthy to come to you, but say the word and let my servant be healed." (Luke 7:7) In receiving Jesus, we, as humble servants, are healed of our spiritual and physical infirmities.
- Alicia
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