About the Mass Series: Communion Rite Part 18:

‘INVITATION TO COMMUNION’

After the private preparation of the priest and people, the priest genuflects and shows the Host to the congregation (known as the second elevation- the first being at the consecration.  This is different and quite distinct from the raising of the host on the paten and the chalice at the Doxology-(Through Him with Him, in Him), which is the only liturgically correct and theologically sound action at that time.

As the host is elevated, he says:

‘This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.  Happy are those who are called to His supper’. Both statements are taken from Scripture- the first from John 1:29 and the second from Revelation 19:9.

Then as a congregation we respond ‘Lord I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word, and I shall be healed’.

 

Before 1969, the response was ‘Lord I am not worthy to receive Thee under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed’.  This was repeated three times.  This too is taken from Scripture-the words of the centurion (Mt 8:9). 

We may have our personal preference here- some would say by using the word I, rather than my soul that we are including our complete self –body, mind and spirit. Others prefer the concept of ‘my roof’ and all that it entails.  Whatever our personal preference may be, it is wonderful, and yet, humbling to remember that it is only through the Lord’s word that we shall be healed. The text as it presently stands aims to strike a balance between worthiness rooted in Baptism (I am a child of God), and the humility possessed by the centurion, which we are invited to imitate. It is a response of humility and awe. No other gift can compare to this, and it is God’s invitation, which makes us worthy to receive it. 

What does such an invitation evoke in You?