Although the chapter below from the "Imitation of Christ" book was undoubtedly written about receiving Our Lord's Body at Holy Mass, it's words are quite moving in light of spiritual communion in these end times. May we be forever grateful for the foresight of Holy Mother Church as She allows us to receive graces even though the Holy Sacrifice has ceased.
CHAPTER IV. -- Many Good Things are given to those who Piously Communicate.
The Voice of the Learner,
O LORD my God, go Thou before Thy servant with the blessing of Thy sweetness, that I may worthily and seriously come to Thy grand sacrament. Rouse my heart to Thee, and pull me out from my dull sloth. Visit me with Thy saving power, that in the spirit I may taste Thy pleasantness, which in this sacrament lies hid, in all its fulness, as water in the spring. Lighten my eyes, that they may see a mystery so great; and strengthen me to trust that mystery with an unfailing faith for 'tis Thy doing and no human power; Thy holy institution, and no discovery of man. For no man is found able in himself to take and understand these mysteries, passing the keenness of an angel's thought. What then can I, unworthy sinner, dust and ashes as I am, trace out and take out of so deep a secret? My Lord, I come to Thee with simple heart, at Thy command, with good firm faith, with hope and reverence, and of a truth believe that Thou art present here, both God and man.
Therefore Thou wouldst have me take Thee, making myself one with Thee in Thy love; and thus I pray Thy mercy, and implore that special grace be given me for this, that I may wholly melt in Thee, flow over in my love, and bring no outside comfort in to me any more. For this, the highest and the worthiest sacrament is safety of the soul and body, the medicine to all the weakness of the spirit, by which my faults are cured, my passions curbed, temptations beaten down or weakened, a greater grace poured in on me, a growing virtue cherished, faith strengthened, hope hardened, the flame of charity lighted and blown.
For many blessings Thou hast promised, and still again dost promise, in Thy sacrament, to Thy love ones who communicate with holy thoughts. (My God, that takest up my soul, helpest my weakness, and givest me all inner consolation.) Much comfort Thou dost pour on them for many a tribulation, and from the depths of their dejection Thou dost raise them to hope in Thee, their keeper. And with a new grace Thou dost cheer and lighten them within that those who felt themselves before communion anxious, and loveless towards Thee, refreshed with food and drink divine, find themselves changed to better men. Therefore Thou dealest with Thy chosen, arranging well for them that they may truly know and clearly prove the weakness in themselves, the goodness and the kindness gained from Thee; cold in themselves, hard, wanting in devotion, the fervour, eagerness, and holy thoughts all come from Thee,
For who can come near to a stream of sweetness and not bring back some taste of sweetness too? Or who can stand before a blazing fire and feel no touch of heat. Thou art a fountain full and overflowing, Thou art a fire that always burns, never cooling, never dry. And if I may not drink my fill and satisfy my thirst, yet will I put my mouth unto the opening of the heavenly reed, that I may get never so small a droplet to take away my thirst and that I may not wholly wither. And if I cannot be as yet all heavenly, aflame like cherubim and seraphim, yet I will try to press on in devotion, and prepare my heart, that I may gather some small flash of holy fire, humbly taking the creative sacrament. All that is weak in me, Jesus, my God, my holiest Saviour, Thou of Thy kindness and Thy grace supply for me. Thou, that didst deign to call all to Thee in the words "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," — I labour, and the sweat is on my brow; torn with heart-sorrow am I, laden with sin, tossed by temptations, entangled and oppressed with many an evil thought; and there is none to help me but Thee, my Saviour, my Lord God. To Thee I trust myself and all my wealth, to keep and lead me to eternal life. Raise me to the praise and glory of Thy name Thou that didst prepare Thy body and Thy blood as meat and drink for me. Be near me, O my saving God, that, often drawing near unto Thy mystery, the fire of my devotion may increase.
Source: "The Imitation of Christ" by Thomas A. Kempis; Anson D.F. Randolph & Co., pages 118-121; copyright 1895
Photo by: Nikola Majksner