Christ with the Host by San Leocadio (photo credit: Wikimedia Commons).
Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof,
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
This response at Mass seems to me to sum up the whole spiritual life. It provides wonderful material for meditation.
I am not worthy
On my own, I cannot please God. I can only vaguely know His character. He had to reveal Himself to me through Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the teaching authority of the Church. He gave me parents who were loving enough to have me baptized and teach me the faith. He continues to show me His design for my life. All this is a pure gift which I could not merit.
But I have found the Christian life to be a constant battle. I fall every day. I repent, make resolutions to be good, then sin again. God’s purity is so beyond me. His holiness is a burning fire that I would never dare approach.
Except…
He says the word
He calls me to Himself, though He knows all my failings. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, ” He says (Matthew 11:28). My ears perk up, for I am burdened by my sins.
He says, “Take this, all of you, and eat of it.” I have done what the Church requires, confessing any serious sins beforehand. He speaks these words to me. Who am I to protest my unworthiness any longer?
And I am healed
“I have not come to call the righteous,” He said, “but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:17).
He does not call me because I am like Him, He calls me because I need Him. He calls me because I am not righteous, because I am weak.
It only takes a word, a touch, a glance from Him to be healed completely. It only takes opening my heart to His love to be transformed into love.
And so I come, and love Him.
Connie Rossini
Contemplative Homeschool 
Thank you for your beautiful meditation, Connie.
You’re welcome. Have a great day.
This is beautiful Connie!! Everyday is a fall down and get back up, fall down get back up (repeat until asleep). I am so thankful for our Lord’s patience and mercy and your post. God Bless.
Yes, it’s the same for me. And it doesn’t frustrate Him or tire Him out. Imagine! God bless you too.
Shortly after my father passed away (who qualified quite well the prodigal son), I was given a profound insight into judgment. I imagined standing in front of God and being asked about my sins, of which I stood convicted. I envisioned being asked why I should be saved. I did not have an urge to list my accomplishments, but only to express the mercy that is mine through the cross. God bless you Connie. Your words are spirit and life.
Thanks for your kind words, Michelle. You remind me how St. Therese desired to stand with empty hands before God, so that they could be full of His own goodness, not any supposed goodness of hers. It’s all mercy and grace.
Now I shall think of this at every Mass. I think you make a great observation.
Thanks, Manny. I hope it helps your recollection.