Are You Receiving Unworthily?
Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, The 26th day of March in the year of Our Lord, 2024
The 26th day of March in the year of Our Lord, 2024
Gospel
John 13:21-38
21 When Jesus had said these things, he was troubled in spirit; and he testified, and said: Amen, amen I say to you, one of you shall betray me. 22 The disciples therefore looked one upon another, doubting of whom he spoke. 23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved. 24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him: Who is it of whom he speaketh? 25 He therefore, leaning on the breast of Jesus, saith to him: Lord, who is it?
26 Jesus answered: He it is to whom I shall reach bread dipped. And when he had dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 And after the morsel, Satan entered into him. And Jesus said to him: That which thou dost, do quickly. 28 Now no man at the table knew to what purpose he said this unto him. 29 For some thought, because Judas had the purse, that Jesus had said to him: Buy those things which we have need of for the festival day: or that he should give something to the poor. 30 He therefore having received the morsel, went out immediately. And it was night.
31 When he therefore was gone out, Jesus said: Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God be glorified in him, God also will glorify him in himself; and immediately will he glorify him. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You shall seek me; and as I said to the Jews: Whither I go you cannot come; so I say to you now. 34 A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.
36 Simon Peter saith to him: Lord, whither goest thou? Jesus answered: Whither I go, thou canst not follow me now; but thou shalt follow hereafter. 37 Peter saith to him: Why cannot I follow thee now? I will lay down my life for thee. 38 Jesus answered him: Wilt thou lay down thy life for me? Amen, amen I say to thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou deny me thrice.
Interestingly, today’s Gospel mentions that Satan entered Judas when he took the bread from our Lord’s hand. This was the institution of the Eucharist. You may recall that Jesus warned that those who receive His body and blood unworthily become guilty of mortal sin. Judas is believed to have been a thief before this time. Who knows what other mortal sins may have been on his conscience. But, it was only when he received the body of the Lord unworthily that Satan entered him and the course that damned him for all eternity began in earnest.
This should be a grave warning for us. How often may we have received the Eucharist unworthily? Perhaps we were going through the motions and not fully examining our consciences. Perhaps we were ignorant of the gravity of the sin. Perhaps we were ashamed not to go up for communion before our family or friends. I am sure we are all guilty of receiving the Eucharist unworthily, whether we know it or not. Fortunately, God forgives us in our ignorance. But, it is of the utmost importance to thoroughly examine the conscience and go to confession before receiving the Eucharist if there is even any question regarding mortal sin. This is the importance of the Catechism, so we can know for sure what is mortal sin and what is venial.
Saint Peter’s sin in denying Christ was also a mortal sin. But, when he spoke he was ignorant of what his actions would be. When our Lord appeared to him, he asked about his loyalty and willingness to serve three times. Peter’s contrition was sufficient for Jesus to forgive him. Our Lord will always forgive us, but we must acknowledge our sin. This is why it is of utmost importance that priest not give Communion to those they know are in a state of mortal sin. This is especially true for politicians who openly support abortion and gay marriage, because the priest also sins in giving the Eucharist due to scandal. When others see the politician who openly commits mortal sin receiving the Body of Christ, they are confused about Church teaching. By not condemning their sin, the priest promotes sin and endangers the innocent.
Catholics must truly believe in the Real Presence of our Lord in the Eucharist and must treat it as the most holy of all things on earth, giving due respect to God. Do not profane what is holy due to ignorance or fear of the opinions of others.
Judson Carroll is the author of several books, including his newest, A Daily Catholic Devotional Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings January-June, 2024. It is Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPD1DC7Q
and
Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith. It is also Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK
His new podcast is The Uncensored Catholic https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-uncensored-catholic
I have heard that the reason Our Lord gave Judas Holy Communion is because his sins were not yet known openly. A priest may only refuse to give Holy Communion to someone whose sins are known publicly. He may never use the Communion rail as a time to publicly expose sin that is known only in the seal of the confessional.