1st Reading: 1 Cor 11:17-26,33
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 40:7-10,17
Gospel: Lk 7:1-10
We must never allow ourselves to become the focal point of the Mass. We may do a good job reading the scripture, but we must do so giving glory to God instead of to ourselves. The same holds true for our music and preaching because all must lead towards Christ instead of leading towards ourselves and our own needs. At the Mass Christ is the focal point to which we direct all of our attention. Christ present inside of the Eucharistic Sacrifice is the divine object for us to base our faith upon. We therefore come to this place desiring to humbly come to Christ instead of desiring to be exalted by our own actions.
Saint Paul wrote to the Corinthians with the hope that they would realize the importance of the Mass. It was his hope that these people would not take the actions taking place casually, but that they would allow themselves to enter fully into it. It was his hope that these people would approach the Eucharistic meal through humility. In our Gospel the centurion offers a familiar remark as he exclaims "Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof." In his exclamation he realizes the great humility that it takes to allow Christ to enter into our lives. None of us are worthy for this gift, but Christ desires to enter into our hearts and souls.
As we approach the Altar of God within this Mass may we take to heart the words that we will proclaim. Prior to the reception of Holy Communion we will exclaim as the centurion did "Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed." With these words taken to heart we come to receive Christ into our lives through humility and realize that it is Christ who is held at the very center of this Sacrifice of the Mass,
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