Brothers and sisters, here is a question for you: Which to you seems the greater, the word of God or the body of Christ? If you want to give the right answer you will reply that God’s word is not less than Christ’s body. Therefore, just as we take care when we receive the body of Christ so that no part of it falls to the ground so, likewise, should we ensure that the word of God which is given to us is not lost to our souls because we are speaking or thinking about something different. One who listens negligently to God’s word is just as guilty as one who, through carelessness, allows Christ’s body to fall to the ground.’
Saint Caesarius of Arles
