For the first time since the coronavirus pandemic erupted, I received Holy Communion at Mass on Corpus Christi Sunday. Receiving Communion was certainly a blessing on the day we commemorate the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. As absence makes the heart grow fonder, my appreciation for the Holy Eucharist has deepened given the prolonged shutdown of public Mass.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “Communion with the flesh of the risen Christ, a flesh ‘given life and giving life through the Holy Spirit,’ preserves, increases, and renews the life of grace received at Baptism” [CCC 1392]. When we are baptized, we are freed from sin and reborn as children of God [CCC 1213]. To remain in that life of grace, Our Lord gives us His Holy Eucharist for our daily living and the trials we may endure.
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him,” said Jesus [John 6:56]. Communion—an intimate fellowship—with Our Lord is essential. Consider how we have been pulled apart due to this ongoing pandemic and current social unrest. Joining ourselves with Christ through the Holy Eucharist replenishes us and reassures us that we are not alone and unloved.
Peace Through Healing
“By giving himself to us Christ revives our love and enables us to…root ourselves in him” [CCC 1394]. Doing so separates us from sin and commits us to charity. “The more we share the life of Christ and progress in his friendship, the more difficult it is to break away from him” by sinful acts [CCC 1395]. As a result, we have the clarity to see the needs of humanity as well as the fortitude and perseverance to come together to help one another.
Truly, we need God’s grace in this time for healing when our divisions are so great. By uniting with Christ, through His Body and Blood which Christ sacrificed in His love for us and gives to us in the Holy Eucharist, we receive His font of mercy. Our Lord’s mercy overcomes all challenges and heals all wounds.
As we share the life of Christ, we share His loving mercy and join in the healing for ourselves and for each other. Within this healing, we find peace of mind and heart which we are also called to share. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God [Matthew 5:9].
Time for Our Lord
Communion with Christ enables and enhances our spiritual growth as children of God. Through our unity with Christ, we see the wonders of God’s love which enables and enhances our communion with one another. Therefore, the more time we spend strengthening our loving bond with Our Lord, the greater the grace we have to bring healing and peace to our lives and our world.
Should we have doubts, let us heed the advice of Mary, the Mother of Hope, who appeared before children of Pontmain in 1871. Then, the people in France faced war and an epidemic. “But pray, my children,” said Mary. “God will hear you in time. My Son lets His heart be touched.” Amen.
1 thought on “Time for Communion”
The pandemic was exclusively one of fake numbers. The shutdown was entirely the results of a numbers game and the acquiescence of weak bishops who fell for it.