communion and thanksgiving

The right intention in receiving Communion means having this good purpose: to please God, to achieve greater union with him through charity, and to apply this divine remedy to one’s moral weaknesses. The sacrament should not be received out of routine, vainglory, or human respect.

The Eucharistic fast requires abstaining from eating and drinking, except water and medicine, for one hour before actual Communion time. The sick and the elderly, as well as those who take care of them, may receive Holy Communion even if they have taken something within the hour.

We are bound to receive Holy Communion, under serious obligation, at least once a year–ordinarily in Easter time–and when we are in danger of death.

Holy Communion may be received a second time on the same day when one attends Holy Mass again on that day, or when one receives the Blessed Sacrament as viaticum in danger of death.

• Complete the Mass with an intense thanksgiving. Devote a few minutes to private prayer. In this way, your Mass will have direct influence on your work, your family life, your dealings with others, and the manner you will spend the rest of your day. In short, the Mass should not be an isolated event of the day; rather, it should be the inspiration and the dynamo of all your actions.

• Turn the whole day into a continuous preparation for the Holy Sacrifice –working and praying –and, at the same time, into a never-ending act of thanksgiving. For a Christian, all honest activities can be turned into prayer.

• Imitate the piety of the Blessed Virgin Mary and ask it from her. While our Lord offered and immolated his flesh, Mary offered and immolated her spirit. Participate in each Mass as if it were your last.