Saturday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Lord, I Am Not Worthy
It is good to be hospitable. In the first reading, Abraham and Sarah welcome three visitors to rest and eat during a hot summer’s day. Not only is it charitable, but it may also be to our benefit. One of the men promises that Abraham and Sarah will have a son, a great blessing to this couple, who are childless and aged. In one Christian tradition, these three men are taken to be the angels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. So, the line from Hebrews 13:2 is fitting: “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.”
In contrast to this act of hospitality, the Gospel reading is about a centurion who does not welcome Jesus into his home. It is not because the centurion is inhospitable, but because he believes that Jesus can heal his dying servant by a word of command. “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8) Jesus is amazed at his faith; I see in this statement a mark of humility.
“Lord, I am not worthy…” is what we say at Mass before we receive Jesus under the roof of our mouth. It is not because we don’t want him to enter. Rather, it is an expression of faith that Jesus can heal our soul merely by saying so and an expression of humility that we are unworthy to receive such a person into our home. It is good to think about the words we say at Mass.
Reflection: Invite Jesus into your home today. Though we are unworthy to receive such a great visitor, he would very much like to enter and bring you blessing and healing.
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections