However, when I came across a discussion of the practice by St. Alphonsus de Liguori, it drew my attention. His prayer it touched me so greatly that I wanted to share it, especially coming up to the Sunday of Corpus Christi.
There is no substitute for communion at Mass, of course, but this is a wonderful way to keep our desire for the Eucharist burning and alive the rest of the time.
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things: 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, and I unite myself entirely to you, as if you had already come. Do not permit me to be ever separated from you.
Jesus, source of all my good, my sweet love, wound, inflame this heart of mine, that it may always burn for you.
Act of Spiritual Communion, St. Alphonsus de Liguori
via A Year With the Eucharist
I read "The Spiritual Combat" by Scupoli last Lent with a parish group. Scupoli recommended praying for Spiritual Communion with Jesus several times a day, especially if you aren't going to able to attend Mass: "O Lord, since I am not permitted the joy of Thy sacramental presence this day, let Thy goodness and omnipotence decree the cleansing of my soul from the stain of sin, that healed of my wounds, I may deserve to receive Thee in spirit. Every day and every hour, fortified anew by Thy grace, may I courageously resist my enemies, particularly that failing against which for the love of Thee, I wage unceasing war." (LVI: Concerning Spiritual Communion)!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! The commenter in Year with the Eucharist also mentioned praying it more than once a day. It sounded like a good idea to me! :-)
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