Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
In order to make our reception of Holy Communion more fruitful, the Lord exhorts us to prepare our souls with proper dispositions. Where is your heart when you approach the sanctuary to receive the Lord’s Body and Blood? Have you forgiven those who have hurt you? Are you angry with your brother? The first reading today says, “Could anyone nourish anger against another and expect healing from the Lord?” (Sir. 28:3)
The Holy Eucharist is the most powerful healing Sacrament in the Catholic Church. However, if we harbor unforgiveness toward another, then we cannot expect healing from the Lord. God has forgiven us enormous debts through the forgiveness of our sins. Can we not forgive our brother or sister whose offense pales in comparison to the debts that God has forgiven us?
Unforgiveness is the greatest obstacle to healing. Forgive those who have hurt you and you will receive healing. Clean your heart of any anger and resentment in the Sacrament of Confession and then receive the Lord in Holy Communion. Your soul will bless the Lord, [Who] “does not deal with us according to our sins, nor does he requite us according to our crimes” (Ps. 103:1, 10).
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 