Father and Joe E442: “Only Say the Word”—Worthiness, the Eucharist, and Receiving More

We say it every Mass: “Lord, I am not worthy… but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” What are we asking—and what should we expect? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks unpack the centurion’s faith behind that line, how the Eucharist gives not just a word but the Word made flesh, and why Communion is an invitation already given—not a feeling we must wait for. We close with a simple New Year resolution: prepare better, receive more, and let grace heal what we cannot. Through the three lenses: honesty with self, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God. Key Ideas From Scripture to altar: the centurion’s “say the word” (authority, trust) becomes our Communion prayer—humble, confident, obedient. More than a word: at Mass we receive the Giver Himself—Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist—superabundant love for unworthy hearts. Invitation stands: unless you should refrain, don’t wait for a private signal; the liturgy itself is Christ’s call to come. Feelings vary; grace doesn’t: ritual prayers serve a billion souls—some days they fit our mood, others they lead it. A practical resolution: arrive a bit early, call to mind sins and needs, and ask to receive Him more fully this year. Links & References Scripture named (no links): The centurion’s faith (Matthew 8:5–13; cf. Luke 7:1–10). “Come to me, all you who labor…” (Matthew 11:28). Liturgy referenced (no link): Communion rite (“Lord, I am not worthy…”) and the Eucharist. CTA If this helped, please leave a review or share this episode with a friend. Questions or thoughts? Email FatherAndJoe@gmail.com Tags Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, Eucharist, Holy Communion, “Lord I am not worthy”, centurion’s faith, Matthew 8, Communion rite, Real Presence, grace, worthiness, humility, trust, authority of Jesus, liturgy, feelings vs faith, participation in Mass, preparation for Mass, resolution, healing, salvation, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, practical spirituality

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Father and Joe E442: “Only Say the Word”—Worthiness, the Eucharist, and Receiving More is an episode from Father and Joe by Father Boniface Hicks and Joseph Rockey Jr.

This episode is 18:34 long.

This episode was published on Dec 30, 2025.

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