Apr

11

Feeling Christ’s Presence in Holy Communion

April 11, 2008 |

What’s the Big Deal? 

Think for a moment if this scene sounds familiar.

Communion used to be a relatively minor event for me.  I used to daydream before going up to Communion - take the Eucharist - nonchalantly make the Sign of the Cross - return to my pew - say a few quick prayers asking for something or another - enjoy the music - hope the announcements weren’t too long - and then prayed that the celebrant got through the rest of Mass in quick order.

And I thought I was so much better than all of those who had just left Mass at Communion.  But I failed to realize that, in reality, there really wasn’t much of a difference - we both treated Christ about the same - with a serious lack of appreciation, respect and understanding.

John 6:56 - The Big Deal

After reading today’s gospel (John 6:52-59), I understand what I was missing all of those years.

With today’s gospel, we are nearing the end of the “Bread of Life” Discourse.  For me, today’s key verse is John 6:56 -

“Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood
remains in me and I in him.”

Think about this passage as you ask the following questions - why is Holy Communion so vital to our faith and our very existence?  Why should it be something we should celebrate weekly, if not daily?  Why should we cherish and be devoted to the Eucharist?  Why should the ten minutes or so of Holy Communion be the most important part of our week?  Why should we ensure our children are treating Holy Communion with reverence and devotion?

The answer to all of these questions is - because Holy Communion is the single best way to spiritually connect ourselves to Christ.  When we take Holy Communion, Christ becomes a part of us and we become a part of him.  And as we leave to go forth in the world, he remains with us and we remain with him. 

But, we cannot make this connection unless we truly give ourselves over to Christ when receiving the Eucharist. 

Making the Connection

A little while back, I started to make this connection.  I found a prayer - the Anima Christi - and I started saying it when I got back to my pew after receiving Communion - slowly, thinking over each line, offering myself over to Christ.

And the more I did this simple little act of devotion, the more I felt myself really feel like something was happening to me after Communion.  I really started to feel a presence within me.  And the more I do this act after Communion, the more Communion has truly become a way for me to connect with Christ - and the more I’ve treated the time before Communion with reverence, including the fast an hour before Mass, the Penetential Rite at the beginning of Mass, the Eucharistic Prayer, and the procession to Communion.

Communion isn’t meant to be a spectator sport.  It’s meant to be one of the most special parts of our lives.  We must find a way to connect ourselves to Christ after receiving Communion.  We need to find that special prayer or thought to truly make Communion a spiritual moment when we connect with Christ.

Christ invites us each Sunday and each day to connect with him - it’s up to us to decide whether we want to accept this invitation.  

And also keep in mind that it’s up to us to bring our children along so they will seek a connection of their own.  But, we have to have the connection first before we can help them make their’s.


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