Feasting on the Divine: Why Frequent Communion is a Spiritual Necessity

Imagine a lavish banquet, a table overflowing with the most exquisite delicacies. Guests gather, eager to take part, to savor the flavors, and to enjoy the fellowship. But what if, despite the abundance, many guests only nibbled at the edges, too distracted or disinterested to truly feast?

This image, while imperfect, offers a glimpse into the reality of many Christians and their relationship with the Eucharist. We know it's the "source and summit" of our faith (CCC 1324), the true banquet where we encounter Christ Himself. Yet, for many, Communion remains an occasional event, a distant memory between Sunday Masses.

The Body of Christ: A Source of Life and Grace

Bishop Robert Barron powerfully reminds us that the Eucharist is not merely a symbol, but a profound encounter with the risen Christ. "This is my Body, this is my Blood" – these are not metaphors, but words f institution. We are not simply consuming bread and wine, but truly receiving the very Body and Blood of Christ.

Pope Saint John Paul II, in his encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia emphasizes the centrality of the Eucharist in Christian life. It's not just an occasional event, but the very heart and soul of our faith, the source from which we draw strength and nourishment.

The Benefits of Frequent Reception

Just as physical food sustains the body, the Eucharist strengthens our souls. It provides the

grace we need to overcome sin, to resist temptation, and to grow in holiness. Through Communion, we are united with Christ mystically, becoming one with him in his Body and Blood. This intimate union transforms us from within, making us more Christ-like in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Furthermore, the Eucharist empowers us for mission. It fills us with the love of God and sends us out to share that love with the world. We are called to be witnesses to the Gospel, and frequent reception of the Eucharist strengthens us for this vital task.

Overcoming Obstacles

Of course, there are obstacles to frequent Communion. True reception requires worthy preparation. This includes examining our conscience, seeking forgiveness through Confession, and approaching the altar with a humble and contrite heart. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to let other things crowd out the Eucharist. We must prioritize this sacred encounter, making time for prayerful preparation and attentive reception. Perhaps the greatest obstacle is spiritual apathy. We may intellectually understand the importance of the Eucharist, but our hearts remain lukewarm. We must cultivate a deeper desire for the Lord, a longing to encounter Him in the sacrament.

Practical Suggestions

How can we overcome these obstacles? Frequent Confession helps us to cleanse our souls and prepare ourselves to receive the Eucharist worthily. A spiritual director (usually a priest, deacon or religious) can provide guidance and support as we deepen our relationship with Christ and the Eucharist. Spending time in prayer before Mass helps us to focus our minds and hearts on the sacred encounter that awaits.

A Call to Action

Let us strive to deepen our relationship with the Eucharist. Let us make a conscious effort to receive Communion more frequently. Let us prepare for Mass with prayer and reflection. And let us share the joy of the Eucharist with others, inviting them to experience the transformative power of this sacred encounter.

May the Lord, who gives Himself to us in the Eucharist, fill us with His grace and send us forth to be His loving witnesses in the world. I hope this blog post helps you to understand and appreciate the profound benefits of frequent Eucharistic reception.