What is a Spiritual Communion?

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Spiritual Communions are beautifully simple. We simply invite Jesus to be present in our mind and heart. This is something we can do at any time of the day, multiple times a day. It is especially beneficial to make a spiritual communion when for whatever reason we cannot receive the Eucharist.

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How do you make one?

Simply invite Jesus. You can use your own words, or if you prefer, here is a common prayer:

My Jesus,

I believe that you are present

in the Most Holy Sacrament.

I love you above all things,

and I desire to receive you into my soul.

Since I cannot at this moment

receive you sacramentally,

come at least spiritually into my heart.

I embrace you as if you were already there

and I unite myself wholly to you.

Never permit me to be separated from you.

Amen.

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You cannot receive communion now. How might God use this to help you grow?

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We know that God offers us sanctifying grace in each of the sacraments, including the Eucharist. However, it is also true that our disposition can limit how effective that grace is in our hearts and lives. For instance, if we receive communion in the state of mortal sin, the grace contained in the sacrament does us no good - in fact, our reception of communion is a further sin. Similarly, if we receive communion mechanically, as a mere routine without faith and desire, it will not be as effective as it could be. 

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During this time, you may experience a deeper awareness of the gift of the Eucharist, as well as a deeper desire to receive it. This is good. In fact, it might be exactly the way God wants to work in your heart. He could be stretching you so that you are able to receive more of him when you are able to return to communion. Instead of a thimble-full of grace, perhaps Christ is making your heart the size of a gallon, or of a lake. This means you may feel empty, but do not fear: God is at work. Nothing can limit his operation in you, not even your temporary inability to receive communion. 

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