While we, as sinners, do not receive our Lord in a state of perfection, we should be striving nonetheless to avoid sin and approach our Lord with humility and love. Think of the words we say at Mass as a guide, echoing those spoken by the Centurion in the Gospels (Matthew 8:8) “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
St. Alphonsus Liguori once wrote, “Blessed that soul that approaches Holy Communion with a great desire to be united to Jesus Christ.” He said that to get the most benefit out of this Sacrament, we should prepare “by driving from our heart everything that is not of God and for God” and cultivate the desire to receive our Lord “with the view of loving Him more.”
Take the time before the start of Mass and be still. Put your worries and worldly cares aside before receiving our Lord in Communion. You can share them with Him afterwards in prayer!
Dear Lord, may I receive you in this Communion
With open arms,
And a loving and contrite heart,
So that I may be filled with Your grace,
For my good and Your glory!
Amen.
