Preparation for Holy Communion
by Fr. Joseph Evinger
In this series on the Mass we have now arrived at the time for Holy Communion. This week I will speak on preparing oneself to receive our Lord more worthily.
Preparation for Holy Communion begins long before receiving Holy Communion. The moment to begin this process is in fact the present moment. Now. Already now we are to prepare our hearts, souls and bodies for communion with God through prayer, scripture and devotions and by refraining from sin. On this earth the closest place to heaven is the Mass. The way to prepare for both the Mass and heaven is to know Jesus and to love Him more than anything or anyone else. We are to do this already now before we arrive at either the Mass or heaven.
Going to confession frequently and arriving to Mass early can also increase good preparation. The grace of confession heals our hearts, minds, and bodies making us more receptive to God’s formation. Arriving early to Mass lends us time to address the distractions of life. We are able, and even encouraged, to bring these distractions with us to church and thus into God’s presence that He may enter into these areas of our life in a fuller way.
Being attentive to the flow of Mass naturally allows us to prepare well also. The penitential rite allows our venial sins to be washed away. The scriptures, which are God’s word to us, bring health to the soul and body and guidance in day-to-day living. The consecration of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus reminds us that the Holy Spirit can also transform our ordinary lives into something supernatural.
It must also be mentioned that if we are aware of committing any grave sins we are not to approach Holy Communion unless we have first repented and gone to the Sacrament of Confession.
Finally as we walk down the aisle to receive God, let us allow our hearts to weep with joy knowing that our good, good King has chosen to become our closest friend.