I have been reflecting recently on the invitation to Communion which appears in various forms in many of our liturgies.
Behold the Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world.
Blessed are those who are called to his supper.
Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say the word, and I shall be healed.
The inspiration for the first sentence is from John 1:29 when the Baptist makes a startlingly bold declaration to his disciples about Jesus at the start of his public ministry. In our liturgy we make the same statement as we behold Jesus in his Eucharistic presence. This is a profession of faith.
The second sentence is from Revelation 19:9 which recalls the angel’s declaration about the marriage supper of the Lamb. This reminds us that what we do in the Eucharist has eternal consequences; it is an ordinance of the end-time, the Day of the Lord. St. Paul reminds us that when we celebrate the Eucharist we proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes again.
The third sentence is adapted from the words of the Centurion who comes to Jesus to ask for the healing of his servant (Matthew 8:5f). The centurion is commended by Jesus for his faith. These words are included in the liturgy that we may have faith sufficient to receive worthily the Body and Blood of Our Lord and to ensure that we approach Jesus with due humility like the centurion.
Many other uses of Scripture educate and inspire us and we would do well to ponder them during a quiet moment before the service. They are not there to fill in the gaps, rather to make sure that we receive the great benefits of our faith ‘to our great and endless comfort.’
Image by Andrea Don on Pixabay
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