This is Part Three of a three part series. This question is an important one, perhaps the most important question. How each of us answers this question affects not only ourselves, but all those whose lives we touch, our churches, our society and yes, the world.
Are we worthy? Do we have inherent dignity and worth? Are we worthy of God and God’s love and blessing? Are we worthy of being one with God? Now let’s look
In the first of this series we looked at this question from the Christian Scriptures point of view. I believe most, if not all, of those reading this would accept that as a good
resource. We looked at both Old Testament and gospel passages to see what God and Jesus had to say about this. I listed the Scripture passages and stated that I thought
they presented a clear answer to this question. I then recommended you read the passages and decide for yourself how they answered the question.
In the second of this series we looked at this question from the Church’s point of view. Specifically, the Roman Catholic Church, since that is the Church I am most
familiar with. We looked at the Eucharistic Liturgy, i.e. the Mass, because that is the Catholic Church’s primary prayer and expression of worship and faith. I suggested that
you go to the website www.usccb.org/romanmissal to obtain the approved text and read it. Then decide for yourself how the Church answers this question. I also suggested that if you are not Catholic to look at this question from the viewpoint of the church or
denomination that is your experience or you are familiar with.
Now let’s take a look at this question from a contemporary layperson’s viewpoint. Neale Donald Walsch writes in Conversations with God, an uncommon dialogue, Book 3: “I do not feel worthy to be the messenger of this truth. . . I of all people . . . am simply not worthy to be the bringer of this wonderful truth.” God says, “Is that what you believe . . .?” “Yes”, he says. Then God says, “Yet I tell you this. You are worthy. As is everyone else. Unworthiness is the worst indictment ever visited upon the human race.”
Later, Neale says, “I no longer feel unworthy. You have a way of making me feel worthy. If I could give one gift to all human beings, that would be it. . . This is the gift my
soul yearns to give. All of us have a gift to give. I’d like this to be mine.” Then God says, “Go, then, and give it. Seek to make everyone whose life you touch feel worthy. Give
everyone a sense of their own worthiness as a person, a sense of the true wonder of who they are. Give this gift, and you will heal the world.”
I suggest you might want to read Conversations with God for yourself. If you do decide to do that, I highly recommend you read the books, 1, 2 and 3 in order, since there is a definite progression from one to the next.
And so, looking back at the first part of this series, the answer seems clear according to the Scriptures. Yes, we are worthy. However, in the second part of the series where we looked at this question from the Catholic Church’s Order of Mass, it would seem that no, we are not worthy. The people are directed to say that before receiving communion. Then in this third part we see in the conversation Neale Donald Walsch has with God, that God thinks we are worthy and we should “give everyone a sense of their own worthiness . . .”.
My own conclusion is yes we are worthy. We are worthy of and have God’s love and blessing. And yes we are worthy of being one with God and with one another. And so we are. Celebrate and share this truth with everyone you know or meet.
I welcome any comments or feedback that you would like to give me on this part
or the series. Contact me @ terrymcc1@yahoo.com.
Peace and Blessings,
Terry
