Justin Appel

Beloved to Christ,

If you are like me, you probably find today's Epistle reading a bit terrifying. Saint Paul, after describing the formation of the Lord's Supper, admonished the Corinthian church to 'discern the body' -- lest one should eat and drink 'damnation' on oneself, including sickness and even death.

Read 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 here.

There are several elements to consider in Paul's exhortation. On the one hand, we need to recognize that Christ is really and truly given to us in the bread and wine, not simply a token of his presence -- he is actually there! How would we respond if Jesus were to appear before us?

Second, and perhaps very much to point in Paul's letter, we need to recognize that together, we make up the Body of Christ. To partake in the sacrament is to share the bread and cup as a community. Thus, theologians like Henri de Lubac have characterized the early Church's approach to the Lord's Supper through the simple phrase, 'the Eucharist makes the Church'.

Third, and very practically, if receiving Christ's body and blood are such a decisive moment for us as Christians, then preparation is also critical. I have been beginning to discover a body of traditional prayers, often associated with particular saints, that fit this need. These may be as simple as a paraphrase of the Centurion's words from Matthew 8:8, 'Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.' There are also much more substantial prayers too, which may be used prior to the Eucharistic service, even the night before.

A final note, if you take it upon yourself to look into these traditional prayers, you may be a bit shocked by how direct they are. They teach one to pray with words that emphasize humility, self-deprecation, repentance, and devotion. The purpose of these prayers -- like the Eucharistic gifts themselves -- is a fundamental healing and reorientation of our inner lives towards Christ, and that's bound to be uncomfortable at times.

Your in Christ,
Justin

From St. Simeon the Translator:

Behold I approach for Divine Communion. O Creator, let me not be burnt by communicating, For Thou art Fire which burns the unworthy. But purify me from every stain.

Then this Prayer: Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thy enemies; I will not give Thee a kiss like Judas; but like the Thief do I confess Thee. Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.