We have used a seasonal sentence here before (Easter: Christ our passover has been sacrificed for us...) so it is not brand new to the people. I had a lot of people stop at that point and speak much more deliberately these words. I will try it for a while. I never did like the response: "And also with you." It was the wrong response at that point. But I also feel that to end simply with the "Amen" is also a little quick and abrupt end. So we will take a look at this and it may just encourage some pre-reception prayers along that line... Who knows?!
5 comments:
This will be said at what place in the Liturgy? I believe it's said right after the Anus Dei in the RC mass with the priest elevating the Host, "THIS IS the Lamb of God who..." which makes it clear he and the people are referring to the consecrated bread and wine and not just a statement about our Lord in general.
DP
oops..."After the Pax Domini"
DP
Yes, after the Pax Domini. . .
Dear Rev. Peters: More than 50 years ago our family became affluent enough to purchase a stereo. The first record I bought was Gounod’s Solemn Mass of Sta. Cecilia. Ever since then, in spite of the indescribably heavenly music of the Mass, I cringe when it comes to the words, “et sanabitur anima mea.” As everyone knows, the centurion indeed was not worthy, but humbled himself to obtain healing for his servant. But those from whom you are borrowing this “edited” version of a one time event, did not and do not share with us the certainty of God’s saving acts for us. Indeed, as Luther and Chemnitz pointed out again and again, they consider it a sin to be confident of their salvation. Therefore they force their people to say again and again, “I am not worthy.”
If indeed we claim worthiness according to our works, we will earn damnation. But if we, having been made worthy by the blood of Christ, made his children in the waters of Baptism, and brought into His wonderful Kingdom of light – if we deny the worthiness that He has given us by faith, we deny the essence of the Gospel. Does He not tell us, “If the Son sets you free, your are free indeed,” and does He not invite us to His table for the strengthening of our faith and the forgiveness of sin? To clothe ourselves in the garments of false humility is exactly the same as to despise the garments He provides, made pure in His blood.
If our hearts follow the words of the liturgy, then in response to the words, “The peace of the Lord be with you always,” “And also with you,” or possibly the more ancient “And with your spirit,” can be as meaningful as any other words. They have been for me, but I also borrow a custom from the Eastern Church when I say it: I bow to the celebrant. This body language can be as meaningful as many words, becoming part of the dialog of the liturgy.
We are worthy! Thanks be to God!
George A. Marquart
Can we not say both "I am not worthy" and "We have been made worthy"? They both have their place.
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