As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, we also take this opportunity to understand Communion. Fr. Joseph McGloin teaches that, “The word ‘communion’ is almost self-explanatory. Literally, it means ‘union with.’ It suggests a sharing, a mutual participation. Holy Communion, is, then, an intimate sharing in the life of Christ” (How to Get More Out of the Mass, p. 128).
That is exactly what takes place in Holy Communion. We receive the Precious Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ into our bodies, and he unites us with himself. Unlike regular food which becomes part of our bodies, the Eucharist unites our bodies to the Lord. Fr. McGloin continues, “While the other sacraments bring us the grace of Christ, this one brings us the grace of Christ himself along with himself. Truly, a person with any faith in Christ would be foolish to neglect this great gift” (p. 133).
Who is able to receive Communion? “Holy Communion is for all who are properly disposed to receive him. To be properly disposed we must be Catholic, in a state of grace and have fasted one hour prior to the reception of Holy Communion” (A Study of the Mass, p. 19).
Considering the above, we note that there are several circumstances where a person might not be able to receive Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, such as someone who doesn’t share the Catholic faith or belief in the gift of Jesus in the Eucharist; someone who does believe but is unable to receive because of illness; someone who is living outside the moral teaching of the Church; or someone who needs to partake of the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Communion.
Without question, not being able to receive Communion can be an incredible challenge and sacrifice. The fact that this is a hard sacrifice is a good thing! The difficulty shows us where our hearts really are and that we understand the truth of the Eucharist. Besides the genuine reverence we show for the sacrament, not being able to receive can offer us a unique opportunity to become even more aware of God’s presence in our lives and his call for us to turn away from sin and allow his grace to work in our lives. For those who are longing for the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, this time also offers the opportunity to practice making a “Spiritual Communion” to unite with Jesus in the Eucharist.
While reception of Holy Communion is incredibly significant and our fullest participation in the Mass, those who are unable to receive the Eucharist sacramentally can unite themselves spiritually to Christ through prayer. We can still pray and thank God in that moment for the wonderful love of Jesus and his saving sacrifice. We can acknowledge through prayer that we believe Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. We can express true longing from our hearts that we will be able to receive the Eucharist in the future. We can express the desire in the moment of being able to receive graces from Jesus in the Eucharist, even though we are unable to receive him sacramentally. So, those who cannot receive Communion can still gain spiritual fruit from the Mass, uniting themselves to Christ through desire and prayer.
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love You above all things and I desire You in my soul. Since I cannot now receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though You were already there, I embrace You and unite myself wholly to You. Let me not be ever separated from You. Amen.