The Word of God we read in the scriptures at Mass prepares us for the Word of God we receive at communion. That’s particularly true of our readings today. In our first reading St. Paul tells the Corinthians that the Lord’s supper, the Eucharist, has become a time for them to get together with their friends to have a good time. In fact, they don’t want anyone there who’s not one of their friends. That isn’t the Lord’s supper.

Paul then reminds them what the Lord’s supper is:

“For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, “This is my Body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying,”This cup is the new covenant in my Blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:17-26)

In today’s gospel from Luke we have another reading that prepares us as we receive the Lord Jesus himself. A Roman centurion, probably head of the garrison there, sends the Jewish elders to ask Jesus to come and cure his servant, who is close to him. 

As Jesus goes to cure his servant, the centurion sent his friends to tell him “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof. Therefore, I did not consider myself worthy to come to you; but say the word and let my servant be healed.”

He knows the power of Jesus. He also knows his own unworthiness. 

We says the centurion’s words before we receive communion at Mass. “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”