WEDNESDAY, October 5

1 Corinthians 11:23-34. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be answerable for the body and blood of the Lord. Examine yourselves, and only then eat of the bread and drink of the cup.

Growing up Roman Catholic, I never went to communion without first going to confession. I didn’t actually need to go to confession because I never committed any mortal sins requiring that I do so. Moreover, I did not take the venial sins I did confess very seriously. After all, fighting with my brothers and sisters, saying some bad words, and so on—those things wouldn’t have scandalized anyone.

To receive the eucharist rightly requires that we do take our sinfulness seriously, acknowledging our failings and shortcomings with the sincere desire to repent and change our lives. It does not matter that our sins seem inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. Failure to acknowledge our sins is a failure to acknowledge who we are.

That is why we must, on a regular basis, take time to examine ourselves and our consciences.

PRAY for the Diocese of St. Helena (Southern Africa)

Ps 119:145-176 * 128, 129, 130; 2 Kings 22:14—23:3; Matthew 9:9-17

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
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Oct 05, 2011 at 7:15 am

Written by grace,

The body and blood of Christ: No strings attached. Given freely and in love.

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Oct 05, 2011 at 7:27 am

Written by grace,

The bread and wine of Holy Communion: this done in remembrance of the Lord, remembering that He died on the cross in obedience to God's will for all mankind as the final sacrifice (atonement, expiation). Remembering until He comes again to judge. Remembering and giving thanks always. Remembering and going forth to share this food with all who are in need, even the least of them. To remember and go out and invite more guests to the abundant table.

...

Oct 05, 2011 at 9:52 am

Written by Olive,

It is a cleansing experience to examine ourselves and confess then accept that we are forgiven. To truly believe that that great sacrifice was done for each and for all is the greaest joy.

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Oct 05, 2011 at 10:20 am

Written by fms,

Blessed are those who were empty and sought the Lord, for they shall be filled!

Self examination

Oct 05, 2011 at 11:45 am

Written by Mary kier,

I never liked the word sin when I was you going. I all ready had a father who verbally abused me, so my self esteem was very low. How could God think I was bad too? After years of therapy my self esteem recovered. I was told sins are actions we do that separate us from God's love.he gives grace freely yet if we are not available spiritually to recieve it we can not connect to God.
I liken it to a radio. God' love and grace are sent freely through the air, however to receive this you need a working radio tuned to that station.

God' love and Grace are given freely we have to be able to receive without interference. Looking inward either with a professional or Going over the events of the day and examining them through God's eyes and put forth an effort to change. Grace is given freely, but becomming a good Christian like any other relationship requires constant examination and forgiveness.

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Oct 05, 2011 at 1:09 pm

Written by E. Linda Cushner,

I lived in a remote part of Arizona and worked in an Indian Town. There were several churches there but none that offered Holy Communion. The closest Episcopal Church was about two hours away and many times I worked on the weekend so I was not able to attend. Sometimes my husband and I would make the long trek but not very often.
I missed Holy communion very much.
Eventually we left and came to a place where there was a local Episcopal Church. My soul cried out in joy because I now would be able to participate in this moving act of God's love for me. If I do not receive the bread and the wine regularly, I feel empty.

...

Oct 05, 2011 at 9:00 pm

Written by Greg,

As one who was refused communion at a Catholic Church because of divorce, it was so revealing of the grace of God to find a warm welcome in the Episcopal Church. At first, it was hard to come forward and receive this body and blood because I still felt guilty and condemned. Then I remembered, "There is no condemnation for those that are in Christ." It's difficult to admit sin and accept forgiveness. It is harder to live in condemnation and guilt. Glory to God forever.

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