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The Largely Catechized Life

communing rightly is a gift of God

“35] The treasure, indeed, is opened and placed at everyone’s door, yea, upon his table, but it is necessary that you also claim it, and confidently view it as the words suggest to you 36] This, now, is the entire Christian preparation for receiving this Sacrament worthily. For _since this treasure is entirely presented in the words, it cannot be apprehended and appropriated in any other way than with the heart. For such a gift and eternal treasure cannot be seized with the fist. 37] Fasting and prayer, etc., may indeed be an external preparation and discipline for children, that the body may keep and bear itself modestly and reverently towards the body and blood of Christ; yet what is given in and with it the body cannot seize and appropriate. But this is done by the faith of the heart, which discerns this treasure and desires it.”

By Rev. Harrison Goodman

Pr. Goodman serves as associate pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in San Antonio, Texas.