By 
A Call to Receive Communion Worthily
An excerpt from a book that I refer to often called, Mystery of the Altar, by Kenneth J. Howell and Joseph Crownwood. This passage is from the writings of the mystic and saint Margaret of Cortona who lived from 1247 to 1297. She offers this message as words she heard from Christ.
“My daughter, I am dead in most men of this age as far as their interior lives are concerned; for few are those in whom I dwell by grace. Their offenses are so great that if sorrow could enter me, their God, I would cry out, bursting into tears at the sight of their horrible vices when they communicate. They crucify me again by receiving me unworthily, giving me a drink more bitter than that given me by (My persecutors)…as a rule, I am grievously offended in communion by persons in the world and by their lives. Woe to the souls that sin unceasingly and dare to receive me without correcting their faults. There will be a strict account for them at a future day.”
Although this is private revelation, the message it brings must be heeded in our time.
Especially as we will soon begin another Lenten journey let us resolve to do all we can to repent of our sins, confess them worthily and thus be better prepared to receive Our Lord in Communion. Let us pray for all who ignore sin and even teach others that they can ignore their sins and still receive Communion.
Joseph Strickland
Bishop Joseph E. Strickland was named the fourth bishop of Tyler in September of 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI. Prior to being named bishop, he served a number of roles in the diocese, including vicar general, judicial vicar, and pastor of the Cathedral parish. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1985. 