“Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper”

The celebration of the Mass is the center of the life of the Church. The consummation of the Mass occurs in Holy Communion, where we eat and drink the Body and Blood of Christ.  Immediately prior to receiving Holy Communion, the priest calls us to the joy of receiving the Lord, saying, “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.”  In the presence of such a great gift, we humbly respond echoing the words of the Roman centurion: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed” (Mt 8:8). Because of our own human sinfulness none of us is worthy of so great a gift.  Yet Jesus comes to us in the Eucharist to give us a share in his divine life.