There has been a practice of so-called “SPIRITUAL COMMUNION” in the Church for many centuries. In this particularly difficult time for us, when so many of us cannot attend Holy Mass and receive Sacramental Communion, it is very helpful to practice Spiritual Communion. It can be a response of our longing heart for Jesus – the Eucharist, as well as an act that deepens our relationship with Jesus and love for Him.
What is Spiritual Communion?
Spiritual Communion is awakening a deep desire to receive the Lord Jesus present in Holy Communion, and then to receive Him in our heart in a spiritual way and to unite with Him in our soul by awakening love and devotion to Him.
When can we practice Spiritual Communion?
We can practice it during every Holy Mass in which we participate by broadcasting by radio, television or via the Internet. The best time is at the beginning of receiving Holy Communion.
Spiritual Communion can also be practiced repeatedly at any time during the day, by arousing in the heart the longing for Jesus – the Eucharist and by acts of short prayer expressing faith in His presence in the heart and love of Him.
How to practice Spiritual Communion?
If we participate in a broadcast Mass, it is good at the very beginning to arouse the desire to receive the Lord Jesus present in the Eucharist, and at the time when the moment of Holy Communion begins, it is worth renewing this desire. After the words: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof…” we can simply invite Jesus into our heart and then receive Him in spirit. We can use the Gospel image, for example, how Mary sits at His feet and stays with Him or how Levi invited Jesus to his home. It is worth adjusting the image of prayer to the current state of the soul. Then, after receiving Jesus spiritually, it is good to spend a moment on adoration, being with Him as a friend with a Friend. This moment of presence and union with Jesus is the most important because it belongs to the essence of Spiritual Communion. At this time, we can talk to Jesus with words from the bottom of our heart, thank Him for His presence, express love, friendship and devotion, as well as listen to what he wants to tell us. Spiritual Communion can be extended for the whole day by connecting with the Lord Jesus present in the heart, remembering His presence and talking with Him inside within various everyday situations.
Help in preparing for Spiritual Communion
The Diary of St. Faustina can be a great help in the practice of Spiritual Communion. St. Faustina’s Diary – specifically the sixth Notebook that has a title My preparation for Holy Communion, numbers 1804 – 1828. Her prayers arising from her close relationship with Jesus can teach us how to receive Holy Communion in simplicity and sincerity of our heart.
A proposal of prayer during Spiritual Communion
“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.”
