Don’t leave out self-examination

Today’s first reading (1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33) focuses on the necessity of unity, charity, and patience in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. All of these are very good things.

But there is another focus in this chapter (verses 27-32) related to the Eucharist, but not included in this selection: the deadly serious necessity of self-examination prior to coming to the Eucharist.

Whoever eats the bread
or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily
will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord.

A person should examine himself,
and so eat the bread and drink the cup.

For anyone who eats and drinks
without discerning the body,
eats and drinks judgment on himself.

That is why many among you are ill and infirm,
and a considerable number are dying.

If we discerned ourselves,
we would not be under judgment;
but since we are judged by (the) Lord,
we are being disciplined
so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be merciful to me, a sinner.