Kneeling room only

(To the Sources)

‘…This is my body, which is for you …’ (1 Corinthians 11: 26:22)

From 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (Year A: Holy Thursday)

One of the great mysteries of our Christian faith is how God became flesh. More than that, flesh was crucified before being raised again. A scandal to some and nonsense to others.  The mystery of the Eu-Charist – the giving thanks in communion of love challenges us to let go of our limited way of seeing things.  Not infrequently the disciples of Jesus have omitted the lesson of this holy meal – a lesson in service unto death, inclusion and communion.  Instead, disciples became curious and vain or exclusive in regards to who has a place as if the Host is not the one who calls and invites and nourishes. As if the One who is really present has not died for each and for all…

The author of ‘In the Imitation of Christ’ writing in the 1,400’s warns in the following terms: ‘Beware of curious and vain examination of this most profound Sacrament, if you do not wish to be plunged into the depths of doubt’ (Book 4).  The writer As Oscar Wilde wrote beautifully in ‘De Profundis’ in the following words:

Love is a sacrament that should be taken kneeling, and Domine, non sum dignus (Lord I am not worthy) should be on the lips and in the hearts of those who receive it.

Suffice it to say as John Donne (1572–1631) did:

He was the Word that spake it; He took the bread and brake it; And what that Word did make it; I do believe and take it.