the joys of unworthiness
“I am not worthy to have You come under my roof.” —Luke 7:6, RSV-CE
Before receiving Jesus in Holy Communion, the Church leads us to pray: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof.” This is not putting ourselves down but expressing the greatness of our awesome, all-holy God.
When we realize God’s majestic glory, we conclude that He doesn’t owe us anything. Thus, we see life as a gift and a privilege. We are not worthy to pray even for a moment, and to have God’s permission to pray always is shocking (see Lk 18:1). It is obvious that we are not worthy to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus. It is less obvious, however, that we are not worthy to suffer and die for Jesus. What an honor to be persecuted and even martyred for the Creator of the universe and the Savior of the world!
When we realize that Jesus alone is worthy (see Rv 5:2, 9, 12) and we are not worthy, we get in touch with the reality of our humanness. Then we see ourselves as unconditionally loved and super-abundantly showered with His mercy. Our every breath is a grace. We are chosen even to be children of God. Our unworthiness makes it clear that God is unconditional Love; we can abide in that love and in Him (1 Jn 4:16). “Lord, I am not worthy.”
Prayer: Father, thank You for immersing me in grace, love, and mercy.
Promise: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” —1 Cor 11:25
Praise: The Holy Spirit inspired Mary to proclaim, “All ages to come shall call me blessed” (Lk 1:48). When we pray the rosary reverently, we honor the Most Holy Name of Mary.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Divine Love, listen to, download or order our CD 52-3 or DVD 52 on our website.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from August 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 31, 2022"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.