Our readings for today's mass have a lot to reflect upon. In our first reading from Acts, chapter 9:1-20 we hear of Saul (who would go onto become Paul) persecuting the early Christians. In today's reading he was on his way to Damascus, with letters from the high priests, giving him permission to arrest and bring back to Jerusalem those Christians who were followers of Jesus Christ. Then something amazing happens. A bright light knocks Saul to the ground and the voice of the Lord Jesus asks, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 9:4). Saul would go on to find out that by persecuting the early Christians he is also persecuting the Lord Jesus. Once he arrives in Damascus one of the followers of Jesus, Ananias, with great fear of Paul, but with the prompting of Jesus, goes to Saul, and Saul is baptized and then goes on to preach about salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All were amazed that this persecutor and murderer of the early Christians was now proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus heard the prayers of the early Christians, including the prayers of the first martyr (and deacon), St. Stephen who, as he was being stoned by Saul and the others, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them." (Acts 7:60) This example of prayer for others who may not believe as we do and may be attacking us for our beliefs gives us hope that prayers we have for those we know who do not believe will be effective. Paul's conversion was extraordinary, but a lot of conversions happen in small and unexpected ways. We are, like Stephen and the other early Christians, called to pray for those people we know that may not believe in salvation through Jesus. Then, in His own way, Jesus will enter into the hearts of those we are praying for.
Then in the gospel we hear Jesus teach on the Eucharist. He says, "Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood has eternal life." (John 6:54). Many of the Jews had problems accepting and believing in this and left. This teaching of Jesus is central to our belief in His real presence int the Blessed Sacrament. Once the priest says the words of consecration, the bread and wine BECOME the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus really meant what he said in his promise that he would feed us with His body and blood.
That's why it's important to approach Holy Communion worthily. St. Paul teaches us, "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord.* (1 Corinthians 11:27)
Before Mass, as we anticipate receiving the Lord in Holy Communion, we need to examine our conscience. If we find ourselves unworthy, then as soon as possible, we need to go to confession before we receive Holy Communion.
The message in today's readings is first: pray for those who may not believe or accept Jesus as their savior, and second: to make sure we approach the blessed sacrament in a worthy manner by the frequent use of confession. Living out our lives in a way that pleases the Lord is the best way to bring others to Christ. They will see our way of life and try to come to Jesus as well.
From Arlene B. Muller
ReplyDeleteI agree that the most important aspect of witnessing our faith in Our LORD & His truth is by the example of how we live our lives & practice our faith. One of the worst turn offs is hypocrisy: saying & appearing one way but living contrary to the beliefs we claim. Then we can inspire others to ask why we do what we do & be ready to respond by sharing our faith in words. And, of course, praying for the Holy Spirit to open & guide their hearts is essential.
If we are free of mortal sin we are in the state of grasce & should be able to receive Holy Communion worthily
A correction: to be in a state grace, we need to be without ANY sin: venial or mortal. Since we all have some venial sin we’re not in a state of grace. But by receiving Holy Communion, those venial sins are wiped away. Then we are in a state of grace. But frequent confession is recommended.
ReplyDeleteFrom Arlene B. Muller
DeleteI was educated in the Catholic school system with the Baltimore Catechism & according to the Baltimore Catechism, being in the state of grace means being free from mortal sin.
Of course, we should confess venial sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well. But venial sins do not prevent us from receiving Holy Communion worthily or prevent us from being in the state of grace.
Technically, without the abiding Presence of Our LORD, no one would ever be worthy to receive Him in Holy Communion. But as long as we are free from mortal sin we can confidently receive Holy Communion.
I stand corrected: Venial sin does not remove a person from a state of grace; it weakens their relationship with God but doesn't sever it entirely. A person remains in a state of grace and friendship with God even after committing venial sins. While venial sins can make a person more susceptible to mortal sin and can hinder their growth in holiness, they don't automatically lead to eternal damnation like unrepented mortal sins.
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