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TODAY’S WORD…

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“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.”

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– Matthew 8:8 (NRSV)

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REFLECTION…

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At the solemn moment

when Christians are about to receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament,

the Church’s liturgy places on our lips and in our hearts

these words (of the centurion), to enliven our faith:

“Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof…”

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One of Jesus’ parables comes to mind,

about the two men who were praying in the temple.

One prayed like this:

“God, I thank You that I am not like other people…” (Lk 18:11)

and the other, who was “standing far off,

would not even look up to heaven,

but was beating his breast and saying,

“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Lk 18:13)

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When He finished relating the parable,

Jesus explained the consequences of our attitude before God

by reminding us that

“all who exalt themselves will be humbled,

but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Lk 18:14)

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PRAYER…

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Lord,

I am not worthy,

but please have mercy on me, a sinner.

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Lord,

You are my God,

and before my God I cannot but realise my nothingness,

my unworthiness;

my sinfulness;

and how much I need Your love and mercy.

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Lord, I am not worthy of Your love,

yet You love me unconditionally

and beyond my understanding.

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I thank You for Your love, O God,

and my prayer is that, with the help of Your grace,

I will always love You back

with all my heart, mind, soul and strength.

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For this I pray.

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Amen.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord, I am not worthy,

but please have mercy on me, a sinner.

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