Lost in translation.So the bishops and the Vatican are puzzling over whether "not worthy to receive you" or "not worthy that you should enter under my roof" is the more appropriate response just before Communion ("Reforming the Reform," Kevin Eckstrom, December 2, 2005). I, in turn, am puzzled about how either of these ever found its way into the canon of the Mass, Tridentine or otherwise. For the Scriptural scrip·tur·al adj. 1. Of or relating to writing; written. 2. often Scriptural Of, relating to, based on, or contained in the Scriptures. reference (Lk 7:1-10) has nothing to do with receiving the Eucharist. Rather, it was the Roman centurion's act of courtesy, not wanting Jesus, a Jew Jew Any person whose religion is Judaism. In a wider sense the term refers to any member of a worldwide ethnic and cultural group descended from the ancient Hebrews who traditionally practiced the Jewish religion. , to incur ritual uncleanness by entering his, a pagan's, home--especially because he believed Jesus to be powerful enough to cure the servant from a distance. But in our use, aren't we then saying (at least by implication) that actually receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus is not necessary, for he can impart his grace by "only say[ing] the word"? Didn't Jesus insist, at the risk of alienating al·ien·ate tr.v. al·ien·at·ed, al·ien·at·ing, al·ien·ates 1. To cause to become unfriendly or hostile; estrange: alienate a friend; alienate potential supporters by taking extreme positions. even his chosen disciples, that "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man ... you do not have life within you" (Jn 6:53)? And is preoccupation with our own worth really the proper attitude when faced with the stupendous stu·pen·dous adj. 1. Of astounding force, volume, degree, or excellence; marvelous. 2. Amazingly large or great; huge. See Synonyms at enormous. event of the Lord of all creation entering our very body? Wouldn't Magnificat anima anima /an·i·ma/ (an´i-mah) [L.] 1. the soul. 2. in jungian terminology, the unconscious, or inner being, of the individual, as opposed to the personality presented to the world (persona); by extension, used to mea Dominum fit much better? Or at least the "My Lord and my God!" of the skeptical Thomas (Jn 21:28) upon touching the risen Jesus? Will some liturgist lit·ur·gist n. 1. One who uses or advocates the use of liturgical forms. 2. A scholar in liturgics. 3. A compiler of a liturgy or liturgies. Noun 1. please explain this to me? And with reasons more inspiring than: "Because Rome says so!" EDMUND F. KAL Fresno, Calif. |
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