During the season of Lent, there are many devotions that can be developed and made part of a deepening awareness of the Lord Jesus Christ’s presence in our lives. One such practice is known as a Spiritual Communion.
There are both sacramental and spiritual communions. Sacramental Communion refers to the physical reception of the Eucharist. Spiritual Communion involves “a real longing for union with Christ.” Ideally, reception of the Eucharist involves both dimensions. One must always want to receive regular sacramental Communion. However, St. Thomas tells us that a “complete Spiritual Communion can even take place when we are unable to receive sacramentally, because ‘the effect of a sacrament can be secured if it is received by desire.’” St. Alphonsus Liguori writes, ‘I advise everyone who desires to grow in love for Jesus to communicate in this spiritual manner at least once a day, during a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, or the Mass. And it is better yet if it be done three times at Mass, first at the beginning, secondly at the middle, and lastly at the end of Mass. This devotion is far more salutary than many suppose, while at the same time it is very easy to practice.’
The practice of Spiritual Communion in our prayer lives keeps us always aware of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist as well as the graces we receive by partaking of this heavenly food. A Spiritual Communion is a great act of love on our part as we offer to Jesus our body and soul for the glory of his Kingdom and for the sanctification of the world. St. Leonard of Port Maurice would say every day at Mass, ‘Come, Jesus, my beloved, come within this my poor heart; come and satiate my desires; come and sanctify my soul; come, most sweet Jesus, come.’ It bodes us well to look to the saints for inspiration to deepen our devotion and love for our Lord Jesus Christ.
