It may come as a surprise that it is possible to receive more grace from a spiritual communion than from a sacramental one. So much hinges on our preparation to receive Christ into our souls. It is our inattention that limits the grace of union.
Although actual reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist is limited …, you are nevertheless at liberty to communicate in spirit every hour. And nothing except your own negligence can prevent you from receiving the inestimable benefits to be derived from such a union with [Christ]. It is worth noting that spiritual Communion is sometimes of greater benefit to the soul and more acceptable to God than many sacramental Communions received with little preparation and less affection.
When, therefore, you are properly disposed to receive the Son of God spiritually, be assured that He is ready thus to come to you as food and nourishment.
By way of preparation, think of Jesus, and after contemplating the multitude of your offenses, declare to him your sincere sorrow for them.
Then, with profound respect and unshaking faith, beg him to condescend graciously to enter your heart; entreat him to replenish it with grace as a remedy against its inherent weaknesses, and as a shield against the violence of its enemies. Every time you succeed in mortifying your passions, or in performing an act of virtue, take that opportunity of preparing your heart for the Son of God, as he has commanded.
Then, addressing yourself to him, fervently beg the blessings of his presence, both as the physician of your soul and as its protector. Ask him ever to dwell within your soul and so to take possession of it as to repel its would-be destroyers.
No comments:
Post a Comment