An Exhortation

*This Exhortation may be used, in whole or in part, either during the 
Liturgy or at other times.  In the absence of a deacon or priest, this 
Exhortation may be read by a lay person.  The people stand or sit.*

Beloved in the Lord: Our Savior Christ, on the night before 
he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and 
Blood as a sign and pledge of his love, for the continual 
remembrance of the sacrifice of his death, and for a spiritual 
sharing in his risen life.  For in these holy Mysteries we are 
made one with Christ, and Christ with us; we are made one 
body in him, and members one of another.

Having in mind, therefore, his great love for us, and in 
obedience to his command, his Church renders to Almighty 
God our heavenly Father never-ending thanks for the 
creation of the world, for his continual providence over us, 
for his love for all mankind, and for the redemption of the 
world by our Savior Christ, who took upon himsely our flesh, 
and humbled himself even to death on the cross, that he 
might make us the children of God by the power of the Holy 
Spirit, and exalt us to everlasting life.

But if we are to share rightly in the celebration of those holy 
Mysteries, and be nourished by that spritual Food, we must remember
the dignity of that holy Sacrament.  I therefore call 
upon you to consider how Saint Paul exhorts all persons to 
prepare themselves carefully before eating of that Bread and 
drinking of that Cup.

For, as the benefit is great, if with penitent hearts and living 
faith we receive the holy Sacrament, so is the danger great, if 
we receive it improperly, not recognizing the Lord's Body.  
Judge yourselves, therefore, lest you me judged by the Lord.