Bill (email) - During the communion rite at Ma

The question was straightforward: why do Catholics say “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof” before Communion? Patrick Madrid explained that the line comes directly from the Gospel story of the Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant. Though a pagan, the centurion recognized Christ’s authority and declared that Jesus didn’t need to enter his home—He could heal with a word. His humility and faith form the basis of the phrase we speak at every Mass.

Madrid noted that this moment in the liturgy expresses more than personal modesty. It is a communal admission of our own weakness, sinfulness, and dependence on God. As the priest stands at the altar in persona Christi, he acknowledges both his unworthiness and that of the people, offering the sacrifice Christ instituted at the Last Supper and fulfilled on the Cross.

The physical healings in Scripture—including the centurion’s servant and the lepers—symbolize a deeper reality: God’s willingness to heal the soul from the disease of sin. Madrid emphasized that while bodily ailments are serious, the spiritual wound of sin is far worse.
So when Catholics repeat the centurion’s words before Communion, they are invoking his faith, their own need for mercy, and the healing Christ offers through the Eucharist.

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

The question was straightforward: why do Catholics say &ldquo;Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof&rdquo; before Communion? Patrick Madrid explained that the line comes directly from the Gospel story of the Roman centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant. Though a pagan, the centurion recognized Christ&rsquo;s authority and declared that Jesus didn&rsquo;t need to enter his home&mdash;He could heal with a word. His humility and faith form the basis of the phrase we speak at every Mass.
Madrid noted that this moment in the liturgy expresses more than personal modesty. It is a communal admission of our own weakness, sinfulness, and dependence on God. As the priest stands at the altar in persona Christi, he acknowledges both his unworthiness and that of the people, offering the sacrifice Christ instituted at the Last Supper and fulfilled on the Cross.
The physical healings in Scripture&mdash;including the centurion&rsquo;s servant and the lepers&mdash;symbolize a deeper reality: God&rsquo;s willingness to heal the soul from the disease of sin. Madrid emphasized that while bodily ailments are serious, the spiritual wound of sin is far worse. So when Catholics repeat the centurion&rsquo;s words before Communion, they are invoking his faith, their own need for mercy, and the healing Christ offers through the Eucharist.
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Advertisement