The Eucharist is the greatest mystery of our Catholic faith. Under the humble appearances of unleavened bread is Jesus Christ. When we go to Communion, we do not receive a symbol or a representation of Christ but we receive Him in actuality. We become united to the same Jesus who performed miracles by healing the sick, converted sinners and took up his cross on Calvary to die for us.
Without asking for the grace of faith, we become blind to the truth that Christ is present in the Eucharist. Even those who are cradle Catholics and have attended Mass frequently their whole life can become lukewarm and even cold to the beautiful reality of the Eucharist. So, how can we increase our love for the Eucharist on our faith journey, knowing that the Eucharist is the ‘source and summit of the Christian life (CCC 1324)’?
“If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.”
– St MAXIMILIAN KOLBE
Examine your Conscience and Go to Confession
When a respected guest enters our home, we put in the time to clean out the mess so it is pleasant for them. When we go to Communion, we are letting Jesus enter our hearts. Is it a clean dwelling place worthy for a king?
Our souls must be in the state of grace before receiving Jesus, meaning we haven’t committed any serious of grievous sin that we’re aware of (CCC 1415). If we have, we must go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation to ask for God’s mercy.
As a good practice, making a thorough examination of conscience will help us to get the most out of Confession. This will help us to be specific when saying our Confession to the priest, who acts as an instrument for Christ.
Say Spiritual Communions Leading up to Holy Mass
I wish, my Lord, to receive You, with the purity, humility and devotion, with which Your most holy mother received You, with the spirit and fervour of the saints.
Our dispositions and state of mind must be in the right zone leading up to Holy Mass. We want our hearts to be present and intentional with the reality that we are receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.
Some of the things that can stop us from being intentional include rushing to Mass, being preoccupied with other matters of the day and an array of distractions.
Let’s remind ourselves that the Mass is the centre of our day – it is the most important thing we will do today. Everything else that’s pending is secondary.
The spiritual communion prayer will help us to keep our heart in the right space leading up to Holy Mass.
Don’t Rush: Be Present and Still with Jesus during Thanksgiving
From the moment you receive Jesus in Communion, you are the closest to Him in every way – especially physically. Take advantage of this moment to be intimate and vulnerable with Him. Tell Him all your petitions and share your deepest thoughts and desires.
Being able to receive the Eucharist is a gift. It is not something we’ve earned or are rewarded with. But God has given Himself to us out of the goodness of His heart. It is a union, a generosity and a love that is incomparable with anything else.
