We say something very similar before receiving the Blessed Sacrament. And when we do this in humility and faith, I believe Jesus marvels at us. I believe He marvels when we trust we are truly about to receive His body, blood, soul, and divinity. And I think He also marvels when we recognize we are unworthy to have Him enter under the “roof” of our souls. While saying these words at Mass, we are admitting that we can’t get well without God’s help, trusting that He can heal us, and inviting Him to do so. In other words, with our fellows, we are turning our will and lives over to Him.

As we prepare ourselves for Advent and consider today’s Responsorial Psalm, we too can rejoice as the pilgrims did as they approached Jerusalem. We are nourished by God in the Blessed Sacrament and called to not only prepare and decorate our homes for Christ’s coming but, most importantly, our souls. Let Him fortify us with His body and blood as we prepare this Advent season. As Saint John Chrysostom said, “If you are cold, do you move away from the fire?” Therefore, let us draw warmth from the Eucharist this Advent as we rejoice on our way “to the house of the Lord” (Psalm 122:1).

Reflection Questions

• What stirs within you when you pray, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the words and my soul shall be healed”? How can you pray this with greater humility and faith?
• Might you receive Holy Communion more often as you prepare your soul for His coming this Advent?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9
Gospel: Matthew 8:5-11

Reflection by Marcia G.