What right have you

Monday, February 14, 2011
Saints Cyril, Monk and Methodius, Bishop (Memorial)

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Genesis 4:1-15, 25 Psalm 50:1, 8, 16-17, 20-21 Mark 8:11-13

Psalm 50:16 But to the wicked God says: "What right have you to recite my statutes, or take my covenant on your lips?

I can't be sure what exactly the psalmist is referring to when he says "take my covenant on your lips", but to me it can certainly be applied to the Eucharist. This is the new covenant according to Jesus, and we do take it in our mouth.

That being said, the question is how can we receive communion when if we are in sin? This is why it is so important to have some form of confession prior to the sacrament. Whether it is a personal confession to a priest, or a corporate confession as part of the liturgy, it must be done and we must have a heart of repentance, a willingness to make things right. Without that we make a mockery of our Lords death. When we take the sacrament lightly and without confession and repentance we are the ones that God is talking to in this passage.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to take seriously your Word and your Covenant, so that I am willing to confess my sin and do whatever you call me to do in repentance.

Amen