What does it really mean to be “ready” for Jesus—at Mass, at death, and at His coming? Joe Rockey and Father Boniface Hicks start from the Communion prayer (“Lord, I am not worthy…”) and move into a practical vision of readiness: honest need, real repentance, and daily love. They unpack why salvation, healing, and holiness belong on one spectrum; how the Eucharist prepares us for a lifelong relationship, not a quick visit; and why Christ’s command “love one another as I have loved you” sets the measure. Throughout, we hold the three lenses: integrity with ourselves, charity toward others, under a living relationship with God.
Key Ideas
Readiness begins with need: “Only say the word and my soul shall be healed”—we cannot self-prepare; we ask for grace and mean the words we pray.
Mass as formation for life and death: hearing the Word, offering ourselves, receiving Jesus—practice for meeting Him at the end and every day.
From guest to covenant: not a tidy “company’s coming” moment but a shared life with God—ongoing cleaning, cooking, and reconciling.
Salvation = healing = holiness: one continuum—love poured into our wounds makes us whole and able to love like Christ.
Command of love: not just the “golden rule,” but Christ’s measure—love others as He loves (costly, steadfast, in the mess).
Links & References
Scripture mentioned (no links):
“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof…” (cf. Matthew 8:8).
Parable of the Ten Virgins/Bridesmaids—watchfulness and readiness (Matthew 25:1–13).
“Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34).
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Father and Joe, Joe Rockey, Father Boniface Hicks, readiness, Advent, watchfulness, “Lord I am not worthy”, under my roof, Eucharist, Holy Mass, Communion prayer, preparation for death, Second Coming, parable of the ten virgins, Matthew 8:8, Matthew 25:1–13, John 13:34, love one another, salvation, healing, holiness, sanctification, repentance, confession, grace, practical atheism, interior freedom, covenant, daily discipleship, relationship with God, relationship with self, relationship with others, Benedictine spirituality, Catholic podcast, prayer, virtue, mercy, hope