the lamb is worthy (rv 5:9)
"Sir, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You enter my house." —Luke 7:6
In today's Gospel reading, Jewish elders tell Jesus that the centurion is worthy of having his servant healed (Lk 7:5). However, before Jesus gets to the house, the centurion sends friends to tell Jesus he is not worthy to have Him enter his house (Lk 7:6). Is the centurion worthy or not?
He is both worthy and unworthy, and so are we. In the second eucharistic prayer, we thank God for "counting us worthy to stand in His presence." Nevertheless, the Church always calls us to quote the centurion right before we receive Communion. We say: "Lord, I am not worthy." In Christ, we are worthy because He is worthy (Rv 5:2, 9).
Of ourselves, we are neither worthy of God entering our house nor of receiving God's graces, healings, and blessings. To know our unworthiness leads us to seek His worthiness. To know His worthiness makes us love ourselves despite our own unworthiness. Our unworthiness and His worthiness go together. We must accept both of them or neither of them.
Prayer: "Worthy is the Lamb That was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and praise!" (Rv 5:12)
Promise: "First of all, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for all men, especially for kings and those in authority." —1 Tm 2:1-2
Praise: St. Cyprian spoke of God's house by proclaiming: "You cannot have God for your Father if you do not have the Church for your mother."
Reference: (Bible study is fundamental to being discipled. Join us on October 4-6, 2013 for a retreat based on God's Word. To register, check www.presentationministries.com or call 513-373-2397.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 2013
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