Today’s Sermon in a Nutshell:

Today’s Sermon in a Nutshell:

Just before Communion, the priest lifts high the Holy Lamb, the consecrated Bread, the Body of Christ, and exclaims, “the holy things are for the holy.” Although these words are profound and steeped in deep-set mystery, they also reflect the very nature and purpose of this assembly: the celebration and participation in the Holy Eucharist.

In Peter’s first epistle, he addresses the Early Church, this a young, fledgling Christian community as, “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, ... the people of God." (1 Peter 2:9) This description is apt because God sees the potential for holiness, in each of us. Through Baptism we receive the absolute guarantee of holiness that is then “sealed” by Chrismation. Yet, the onus of living a holy and righteous life rests upon us.

Holiness may seep out and dissipate along the sinful roads of life yet becomes replenished through the Sacraments of Confession and Communion. Thus, “Holy Things” are God’s gift to us, His chosen, holy people.

Fr. John