Spiritual Holy Communion

This is a picture that I recently took of the Monstrance
at Saint Thomas the Apostle Roman
Catholic Church located in Glen Mills, PA.

A monstrance is a vessel that holds a
consecrated Host when it is exposed for Adoration.

I feel blessed to still have the weekly opportunity
to privately pray in the presence of
Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.
It is a perfect time and place for Spiritual
Holy Communion with Him.

Take a close look at this picture.
Can you see the red, white, and blue
colors that appear on the cross? 
Rather than look for an explanation, I am
choosing to believe that this is a sign from God
for us to trust in His Divine Mercy, as we
continue to fight the spread of the Covid 19 virus.

The inability to receive Holy Communion sacramentally has become an unimaginable cross that we now have to bear during this Lenten season. Many of us are accustomed to receiving weekly, as we fulfill our Sunday obligation to attend the Divine Liturgy. But, in that our church law require us to receive Holy Communion only once a year (known as our Easter Duty), it might be a good time to reflect on this.

While the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that "the Church warmly recommends that the faithful receive Holy Communion each time they participate in the celebration of the Eucharist", is it possible that the sincerity to be made worthy to receive has given way to force of habit? Could we be taking for granted the gift of the Holy Eucharist that, when received with an open, contrite heart, provides satisfying nourishment for our souls and a fullness of spirit that can transform?

When we are, once again, able to gather as a church family to worship, let's commit to intentionally preparing ourselves to become one with the Son of God. As your child has been taught in Sunday school, it may look and taste like bread and wine, but by the power of the Holy Spirit given to men who have received the Holy Orders, those ordinary elements are made holy and become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Let's be certain that we are ready to receive and open to the power that comes with being one in the Body of Christ.

God only knows how long our church will be closed, but you can spiritually receive Holy Communion ANY TIME  by doing an Examination of Conscience, asking for God's forgiveness and praying, with sincerity, in a way that reflects your strong desire to be one with Him.  

The following beautiful prayer is one that can be used:

My Jesus I believe that You 

are present in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

I love You above all things, 

and I desire to receive You into my soul.

Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally,

Come, at least, spiritually into my heart.

I embrace You as if you were already there,

And unite myself wholly to You.

Never permit me to be separated from You.   

AMEN

Hopefully, I will see you in church and Sunday school ... soon.  Until then, I will have you all in my confident prayers.

Mrs. Plush 💜