We say the words of an unbaptized centurion?
Today’s Lenten Lesson: Behold the Lamb of God
The most powerful personal prayer at Mass was written by a guy who wasn’t even baptized.
It’s true. It’s the “Lord, I am not worthy” prayer and it was an unbaptized Roman centurion who made it up.
Right before Holy Communion the priest genuflects, takes the host and, holding it slightly raised above the paten or above the chalice, while facing the people, says aloud:
“Behold the Lamb of God. Behold Him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those who are called to the supper of the Lamb.”
And together with the people he adds once:
“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
LORD, I AM NOT WORTHY. These are some of the most famous words ever spoken and they are repeated daily by tens of millions of Catholics at Mass right before Holy Communion.
Jesus was so moved by this man’s humility that he worked the miraculous cure immediately and on the spot, and marveled at this man’s faith and humility.
Humility is an elusive, but necessary, virtue. Saint Josémaria once wrote: “You are not humble when you humble yourself, but when others humble you and you accept it for Christ.”
If you have missed a previous Lenten Lesson or bonus video on the Mass, you can find all of them here.
