With God/Devotions for Holy Communion
Devotions for Holy Communion
The Venerable Pere Eymard on Holy Communion
Having received Jesus into your heart at holy communion, spend some time in simple recollection, without vocal prayers. Adore Him in silence; sit like Magdalen in humble, adoring love at His feet; gaze upon Him like Zaccheus, love Him in mute worship, like ]Mary, His Mother.
Call Him your King, the Spouse of your soul. Say to Him: "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth." Offer yourself to Him as His servant, ready to execute His will. Bind your heart to His footstool, that it may wander no more, or rather put it under His feet, that He may crush out its self-love and pride.
While your soul remains in recollection, in the hushed calm of His holy presence, do not seek to disturb it. It is the sleep of the soul upon the breast of Jesus, and this grace, which strengthens and unites it to Our Lord, will be more profitable than any other exercise.
The first state having passed, we may then proceed to acts of thanksgiving, and the exercise of the Four Ends of Sacrifice may prove useful, viz.
Adoration, Thanksgiving, Reparation, and Prayer
I. ADORE Jesus upon the throne of your heart, and kiss His sacred feet and wounded hands. Rest upon that Heart which is burning with love for you. Offer Him the keys of your home, like St. Catherine of Genoa, "with full power to do all."
II. Thank Jesus for having so honored and loved you as to give you this communion; to you, so poor and miserable, so imperfect and unfaithful. Call upon Mary and all the saints and angels to thank and praise Jesus for His wonderful love and excessive goodness.
III. Make reparation to Jesus by expressing your intense sorrow for your sins, and by protestations of love at His feet with Magdalen. Give Him some proof of your fidelity and gratitude by the sacrifice of some unregulated affection or the definite resolution to overcome some particular passion with more persistent energy and perseverance. Beg of Him the grace never to offend Him more, and desire to die rather than offend Him by mortal sin.
IV. Petition: Ask what you will; these are the precious moments of grace. The Lord is passing; cry out to Him for mercy and help. He lingers under your roof. Jesus is ready to listen to your complaints, and to give you all that you ask. Beg Him not so much for temporal favors, but rather that you may become a saint — that you may be more holy, more spiritual, more perfect, more and more pleasing to Him. Pray that His kingdom may be extended and that He may rule all hearts.
Pray for your daily needs.
Pray for your relations, your pastors, for the Holy Father, for the triumph of faith, and the exaltation of the Church.
For peace upon earth.
For vocations to the priesthood and the perfection and sanctification of those who have already embraced it.
For the fervor and perseverance of Religious.
For fervid and persevering adorers among the laity.
For the spread of the eucharistic kingdom of Christ.
For the conversion of sinners, especially those in whom you are most interested, or those recommended to your prayers.
Pray that Jesus may be known, loved, and served by all men.
Conclude by offering some little flower to Our Lord, by a practical resolution, or the promise of a particular sacrifice during the day.
Then say a few vocal prayers for the intention of the Holy Father, e.g., five Our Fathers and five Hail Marys in union with the prayer which is to be recited before a crucifix: "Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus" (page 371), in order to obtain a plenary indulgence.
There are many indulgences that we can gain very easily, and we are too often forgetful of these riches that are so profitable when applied to the wants of the suffering souls. The holy souls will thus join in your thanksgiving. During the day do not forget the royal visit of Jesus, the King of kings; preserve a remembrance of the morning's grace, like a vase that has gathered up some precious perfume, like a soul that has spent one hour of the busy day in the courts of paradise.
Various Exercises
FOR the purpose of varying your devotions at communion the following exercises may be found helpful. These acts and prayers may be used at times in place of those which are found in the Mass for communion days. We should not adhere slavishly to one form of prayers. Learn to converse with God familiarly. Speak to Him from your heart with the simplicity of a child, humbly, contritely, respectfully, lovingly, hopefully, confidently. Jesus, our dear Lord, loves us with the love of a Father, Friend, and Brother.
He is, moreover, our God, all-powerful, able, and willing to help us in all our needs; let us approach Him with confidence, and let us pray with perseverance.
Before receiving holy communion, direct your intention, that is, offer to God your Mass and communion for the glory of His holy name in thanksgiving for benefits received, in reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the outrages committed against the Blessed Sacrament, in satisfaction for your own sins, and in humble supplication that you may obtain new graces and blessings, above all the gift of final perseverance. Offer to God also some special intention, e.g., the conversion of a friend, the welfare of your family, the relief of the souls in purgatory. Remember also the needs of the Holy Father and of the Church. Resolve to struggle earnestly against your ruling passion and pray that the spirit of Christ may dominate all your actions.
Short Acts and Prayers for Holy Communion
Before Holy Communion
ACT OF FAITH
Jesus, my Lord, I believe that Thou art really and substantially present in the sacred Host. Relying on Thy infallible word, I believe most firmly that under the appearance of bread I shall receive in holy communion Thy sacred body and Thy precious blood. Jesus, my God, I adore Thee, here present in the sacrament of Thy love.
ACT OF HOPE
MY Jesus, I hope in Thee because Thou art infinitely good, almighty, and faithful to Thy promises. Through Thy mercy, through Thy Passion and death, I hope to obtain the pardon of my sins, the grace of final perseverance, and a happy eternity.
ACT OF CHARITY
Jesus, my God, I love Thee with my whole heart and above all things because Thou art the one supremely good and infinitely perfect Being. My desire is to love Thee more and my endeavor shall be in all things to please Thee.
ACT OF CONTRITION
Jesus, my Saviour, I appear before Thee as a poor, miserable sinner. But Thou wilt not despise a contrite and humble heart. I am truly sorry for having sinned because Thou art infinitely good and sin displeases Thee.
ACT OF DESIRE
JESUS, my King, my God, and my all, my soul longs for Thee, my heart yearns to receive Thee in holy communion. Come, Thou Bread of heaven, come, Thou Food of angels, to nourish my soul and to rejoice my heart. Come, most amiable Spouse of my soul, inflame me with such love of Thee that I may never again displease Thee, never again be separated from Thee by sin. "My soul hath thirsted after the strong living God; when shall I come and appear before the face of God?" (Ps. xli. 2). "Thou art the God of my heart and the God that is my portion forever" (Ps. lxxii. 26).
ACT OF HUMILITY
O LORD of glory, O God of infinite sanctity, what am I that Thou shouldst deign to come to me! " The heavens are not pure in Thy sight," and wilt Thou dwell in my heart? "Lord! I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof." The consciousness of my unworthiness would prompt me to exclaim, Depart from me, O Lord, for I am a sinner," but Thy pressing invitation to approach Thy holy table encourages me and dispels all my fears. "Here I am, for Thou didst call me." Come, then, O Jesus, take possession of a heart that wishes to belong to Thee. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." "Have mercy on me, O God, and according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies, blot out my iniquity" (Ps. 1. 3).
"Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed."
When the moment comes to approach the railing, excite in your heart a new act of contrition while the Confiteor is recited and the priest pronounces the absolution, in order to merit more and more the remission of your sins, and obtain a perfect purity to receive the spotless Lamb.
At the Ecce Agnus Dei and Domine non sum dignus, pour forth your heart in sentiments of humility, love, joy, adoration, and self-immolation. Having received the sacred Host, that pledge of your salvation, retire with respectful modesty, and remain some time in simple recollection, in silent contemplation. Sit like Magdalen in humble, adoring love at the feet of Jesus, gaze upon Him like Zaccheus, love Him in mute worship like Mary, His blessed Mother. Consecrate your heart to Jesus and make good resolutions. Then you may continue your devotions with the help of your prayer book.
After Holy Communion
ACT OF FAITH AND ADORATION
Jesus, my Lord and my God, I bless Thee because Thou hast come to visit me. I bow down before Thee, now really present within me, now all mine, truly mine — with Thy body and blood, soul and divinity. Thou art the same Jesus Who was born in Bethlehem and dwelt in Nazareth; Who suffered and died for my salvation; Who ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father. I believe in Thee, and with all the powers of my soul I adore Thee, in union with the angels and saints. Thou art my King; reign Thou alone over my heart and my whole being. Let me never be separated from Thee by sin. I wish to serve Thee faithfully on earth that I may love and adore Thee, praise and glorify Thee forever in heaven.
ACT OF HOPE
MY JESUS, I trust in Thee, I place all my hope in Thee, because Thou alone art my salvation, my strength, my refuge, and the foundation of all my happiness. "The light of Thy countenance, O Lord, is signed upon us: Thou hast given gladness in my heart. ' . . . O taste and see that the Lord is sweet: blessed is the man that hopeth in Him. . . . In peace, in the selfsame, I will sleep and I will rest: for Thou, O Lord, singularly hast settled me in hope" (Ps. xxxiii).
"In the shadow of Thy wings will I hope, until iniquity pass away" (Ps. lvi. 2).
ACT OF LOVE
GOOD Jesus, I love Thee. I love Thee with my whole heart and above all things. Thou knowest that I love Thee, but I wish to love Thee daily more and more, and to do what is most pleasing to Thee.
My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God. . . . For the sparrow hath found herself a house and the turtle a nest for herself. . . . Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God" (Ps. lxxxiii. 3, 4).
"What have I in heaven? And besides Thee what do I desire upon earth? . . . Thou art the God of my heart, and the God that is my portion forever" (Ps. lxxii. 25, 26).
ACT OF THANKSGIVING
My dear Jesus, I thank Thee with all my heart for coming to me and nourishing my soul with Thy sacred body and most precious blood. I thank Thee for all the graces and blessings I have ever received through the merits of Thy sacred Passion and through the institution of the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar. With the help of Thy grace I will endeavor to manifest my gratitude to Thee by greater devotion to Thee in the sacrament of Thy love, by obedience to Thy holy commandments, by fidelity to my duties, by kindness to my neighbor, and by an earnest endeavor to become more like to Thee in my daily conduct. Blessed be Thy holy name! O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius VI, May 24, 1776.
ACT OF REPARATION AND CONSECRATION
MOST adorable Saviour, in Thy wondrous love for us Thou hast instituted the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar as a memorial of Thy Passion, and therein Thou dost remain with us in order to be the life-giving Manna of our souls, the propitiatory Victim for our sins, our Mediator with Thy heavenly Father, our Teacher, and our Friend.
I am sorry that I have so often offended Thee, O God of infinite love and mercy, by my ingratitude, by my resistance to Thy holy will, and in particular by my indifference toward Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love. In atonement for my own sins, and in reparation for all the offenses committed against Thee in the Holy Eucharist by others, I offer Thee my poor heart filled with sentiments of sorrow, sincere repentance, and deepest affection, and I consecrate to Thee all my works and sufferings in union with Thy own bitter Passion, the sorrows of Thy blessed Mother, and the merits of the martyrs and of all the saints. I place myself entirely in Thy hands: do with me according to Thy pleasure. With St. Ignatius I pray: "Give me but Thy love and Thy grace; more than this I do not ask; " and with the seraphic St. Francis I cry to Thee: "My Lord and my God, may the sweet flame of Thy love destroy in me all that does not please Thee; Thou didst yield Thyself to death for love of me, let me also die to self for love of Thee
EJACULATION
May the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored, and loved, with grateful affection at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius IX, Feb. 29, 1868.
PETITIONS
Jesus, my Lord, since Thou hast come to me to grant me graces, bidding me to ask with confidence, I now pray Thee not for earthly riches, honors, and transitory pleasures but for the greatest spiritual treasures, namely a supernatural horror of sin, and intense sorrow for past offenses, freedom from inordinate affections, a meek and humble heart like Thine, the most perfect submission and even abandonment to Thy will, a holy life, and a happy death. Help me to live daily more perfectly in accordance with Thy spirit and with the teachings of the holy Catholic Church.
Permit me also to ask for some special favors (mention them). O heavenly Father! Since our dear Lord and Saviour Himself has said: "Amen, amen, I say to you, if you ask the Father anything in My name. He will give it you," I beseech Thee, for the love of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, Who now dwells within me, and Whose infinite merits I offer up to Thee, do Thou graciously hear my prayers and grant all my petitions.
COMMEMORATION OF THE LIVING
O LORD, my God! I recommend to Thee: I. Our Sovereign Pontiff, and all prelates, bishops, priests, and Religious; grant them, O Lord, zeal and the spirit of their state, that they may sacrifice themselves to the salvation of souls.
2. My relatives, benefactors, friends, and enemies; the sick, especially those who are in the agony of death! and all the faithful who are in Thy grace; give them, O Lord, perseverance and fervor in Thy love.
3. All infidels, heretics, and sinners; give them light and strength that they may all know and love Thee.
COMMEMORATION OF THE DEAD
I RECOMMEND to Thee: I. the souls of my parents, benefactors, friends, and enemies; and of those who are in purgatory through my fault.
2. The souls of priests and of those who labored for souls.
3. The souls of those who were most devout to the Passion of Jesus Christ, to the Most Holy Sacrament, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and to His blessed Mother; the souls who are the most neglected and forgotten; those who are suffering the most; and those who are nearest the gates of paradise.
Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Jesus, Master, Teach Me
TEACH me, teach me, dearest Jesus,
In Thine own sweet loving way,
All the lessons of perfection
I must practise day by day.
Teach me Meekness, dearest Jesus,
Of Thine own the counterpart;
Not in words and actions only,
But the meekness of the heart.
Teach Humility, sweet Jesus,
To this poor, proud heart of mine,
Which yet wishes, O my Jesus,
To be modeled after Thine.
Teach me Fervor, dearest Jesus,
To comply with every grace.
So as never to look backward,
Never slacken in the race.
Teach me Poverty, sweet Jesus,
That my heart may never cling
To whate'er its love might sever
From my Saviour, Spouse, and King,
Teach me Chastity, sweet Jesus,
That my every day may see
Something added to the likeness
That my soul should bear to Thee.
Teach Obedience, dearest Jesus,
Such as was Thy daily food
In Thy toilsome earthly journey
From the cradle to the rood.
Teach Thy Heart, to me, dear Jesus,
Is my fervent, final prayer;
For all beauties and perfections
Are in full perfection there.
- Leaflets
MY Saviour! I cheerfully accept all the painful dispositions in which it is Thy pleasure to place me. My wish is in all things to conform myself to Thy holy will. Whenever I kiss Thy cross, it is to show that I submit perfectly to mine. — Blessed Margaret Mary.
Final Prayers, Reflections, and Resolutions after Communion
I MUST now beg once more for Thy blessing, dear Jesus, before my departure from this holy place, where I have been blessed so abundantly this morning.
How delicious is the sweetness of this heavenly Bread, which I have received in holy communion! How delightful the peace, how perfect the tranquillity of a soul that receives Thee after having deplored and sincerely confessed her offenses! Be blessed a thousand times, O my Jesus! When I was a sinner I was miserable; but now not only do I enjoy the sweetest tranquillity of soul, but it seems to me that I experience a foretaste of the peace and bliss of paradise! It is, indeed, most certain that my heart has been made for Thee, my beloved Lord, and finds no joy but when it reposes in Thee. I therefore give Thee thanks; I firmly resolve to avoid sin and the occasions of sin; I will dwell permanently in Thy divine Heart, whence I expect the grace of loving Thee unto death.
What strength hast Thou not imparted to my soul, good Lord, by means of this holy communion! Oh! how much I need it. The road I have to traverse is so difficult, that without Thee I should fear to venture upon it. In a short time I shall return to my daily occupations; I shall continue my life of yesterday; I shall be exposed to the same temptations, I shall find myself with my usual faults. But Jesus, Thou Who didst help the saints. Thou hast come to me. Stay, oh, stay with me, and do Thou by Thy grace help me to preserve in all my words and actions, modesty, meekness, and humility. Help me to make Thy presence within me visible to all; let others see in me the sweetness of Thy charity, generosity, and kindness.
INVOCATIONS
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Permit me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy defend me.
In the hour of my death call me.
And bid me come to Thee,
That, with Thy saints, I may praise Thee
For all eternity. Amen.
PRAYER
O JESUS, living in Mary,
Come and live in Thy servants,
In the spirit of Thy holiness,
In the fulness of thy might,
In the truth of Thy virtues,
In the perfection of Thy ways.
In the communion of Thy mysteries.
Subdue every hostile power.
In Thy Spirit, for the glory of the Father.
Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Oct. 14, 1859.
Say before a crucifix the prayer, "Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus!." page 371, and the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory five times for the holy Catholic Church and the intentions of the Holy Father in order to gain a plenary indulgence.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY AFTER HOLY COMMUNION
O MY sweet Mother Mary, Mother of Him Whom I hold within my heart, keep that heart which thy Jesus has chosen this day for His dwelling; defend it by thy ceaseless prayer, and obtain for me that the Spirit of my Jesus, abiding with me, may continually remind me of the Gift of gifts I have received, and inflame my heart with love and with all holy desires. Pray for thy child, O dearest Mother, that the soul of him who has been a living tabernacle for the Eucharistic God, may seek in all things the glory of that God and the interests of His Sacred Heart.
— From “The Voice of the Sacred Heart.”
PRAYER: MEMORARE TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Remember O most gracious Virgin Mary! that never was it known that any one who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! To thee I come; before thee I stand sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate! despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time; plenary indulgence once a month, on usual conditions. — Pius
INDULGENCED EJACULATIONS
Our Lady of the Most Holy Sacrament, pray for us.
Before the Blessed Sacrament exposed. Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Jan. 10, 1910.
Mary, our hope, have pity on us.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, Jan. 8, 1906.
Mary, sorrowing Mother of all Christians, pray for us.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, June 27, 1906.
INVOCATION
Grant, O holy Joseph, that, ever secure under thy protection, we may pass our lives without guilt.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, March 18, 1882.
Another Exercise of Devotion for Holy Communion
Before Holy Communion
PRAYER FOR GRACE
MY God, give me Thy grace that I may receive holy communion in a manner that will be most pleasing to Thee and most profitable to my soul. Mary, my Mother! dear St. Joseph I pray to Jesus for me. My good angel guardian! prepare my heart for the worthy reception of my Lord; lead me to the Holy Table, to partake of the Food of Angels, the Bread of Life.
ACT OF FAITH AND ADORATION
My Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that Thou art truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. I believe that in holy communion I shall receive Thy sacred body and Thy precious blood. My faith in Thy real presence in the Holy Eucharist is firmly founded on Thy word, O eternal Truth. My Saviour and my God, with the angels who surround Thy altar throne, I bow down in humble adoration before Thy Majesty.
ACT OF HOPE
O JESUS! relying on Thy promises, on Thy goodness, and on Thy omnipotence, I hope to obtain from Thee the graces necessary for the sanctification and salvation of my soul.
ACT OF LOVE AND DESIRE
Jesus, my God, Thou art infinitely good. I love Thee above all things and with my whole heart. I desire to receive Thee in holy communion that I may love Thee more and serve Thee better. Come to me and strengthen me, so that I may never be separated from Thee on earth and that I may dwell with Thee eternally in heaven.
ACT or CONTRITION
MY God, I detest all the sins of my life. I am truly sorry that I have sinned, because Thou art infinitely good and sin displeases Thee. Have mercy on me and pardon my offenses. I am resolved to avoid the occasions of sin and never again to offend Thee.
ACT OF HUMILITY AND CONFIDENCE
Jesus, my Lord, I confess that I am a sinner. But in Thy goodness Thou dost invite me to approach Thy holy table and to partake of Thy heavenly Banquet. Trusting in Thy mercy I come to Thee with perfect confidence, albeit with it a contrite and humble heart. Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof; but say only the word, and my soul shall be healed. Come to me, Jesus, come to me, and keep me in Thy love and Thy grace for evermore.
Prayer
See where Thy boundless love has reached, my loving Jesus! Thou, of Thy flesh and precious blood, hast made ready for me a banquet whereby to give me all Thyself. Who drove Thee to this excess of love for me? Thy Heart, Thy loving Heart. O adorable Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of divine love! within Thy sacred wound take Thou my soul; so that, in that school of charity, I may learn to love Him Who has given me such wondrous proofs of His great love. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII, Feb. 9, 1818.
Jesus, hidden God, I cry to Thee;
O Jesus, hidden Light, I turn to Thee;
O Jesus, hidden Love, I run to Thee;
With all the strength I have I worship Thee;
With all the love I have I cling to Thee;
With all my soul I long to be with Thee;
And fear no more to fail, or fall from Thee.
O Jesus, deathless Love, Who seekest me,
Thou Who didst die for longing love of me.
Thou King, in all Thy beauty, come to me,
White-robed, blood-sprinkled Jesus, come to
me.
And go no more, dear Lord, away from me.
O SWEETEST Jesus, bring me home to Thee;
Free me, O dearest God, from all but Thee,
And all the chains that keep me back from Thee;
Call me, O thrilling Love, I follow Thee;
Thou art my All, and I love naught but Thee.
O hidden Love, Who now art loving me;
O wounded Love, Who once wast dead for me;
O patient Love, Who weariest not of me —
O bear with me till I am lost in Thee;
O bear with me till I am found in Thee.
— Fr. Rawes.
After Holy Communion
ADORATION AND PRAISE
{{di|BLESS the Lord, O my soul! and let all that is within me bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul! and never forget all that He hath done for thee.
Now your King is here, Whom you have chosen and desired (i Kings xii).
I will extol Thee, O God, my King (Ps. cxliv).
I will cry to God, the most High, to God Who hath done good to me (Ps. Ivi).
Bless the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God (Ps. cxxxiii).
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us extol His name together (Ps. xxxiii).
Blessed be the Lord, for He hath shown His wonderful mercy to me (Ps. xxx).
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour (Luke i).
Give glory to the Lord for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever (Ps. cvi).
For He is our peace (Eph. ii) , making peace through the blood of His cross (Col. i).
Blessed be God.
Blessed be His holy name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar.
Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift (2 Cor. ix).
The Lord is my rock, and my strength, and my Saviour (2 Kings xxii).
He loved me and delivered Himself for me (Gal. ii).
It is good for me to adhere to my God, to put my hope in the Lord God. I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me (Ps. xxxi v) .
HERE pause awhile, and commune with your God and Saviour. Tell Him how grateful you are for this holy communion and for all His graces and blessings. Tell Him again how sorry you are on account of your sins; how much you love Him now, and what you intend to do to prove your love. You want to imitate the virtues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; resolve to become more like to Jesus. Offer Him your heart and ask Him to make it like to His own most sacred Heart. Resolve to struggle valiantly against your predominant passion and your evil inclinations. Be generous in your sacrifices for the love of God, and He will be generous in His rewards — generous in accordance with His infinite goodness and power.
If you love God, you will keep His commandments. That is the visible proof of charity. Love can not rest in words — it must go out into action. If you love God, you will do something for Him. Love is ingenious at finding ways in which to show itself. It manifests itself in acts of praise, in acts of self-denial, in acts of kindness to God's other creatures. Love without works is dead.
Approach Our Lord with confidence and ask Him for whatever temporal and spiritual favors you desire, but above all things pray for the gift of final perseverance. The love and the grace of God are the most precious gifts. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you " (Luke xii, 31). In your sufferings and in your prayers resolve to say with Christ in the Garden: " Not my will but Thine be done." Saints and spiritual writers agree that in holy Mass and after communion our prayers are most acceptable and most likely to be granted.
ACT OF FAITH
O JESUS, my God and my Saviour, Thy word is Truth. I firmly believe that this is Thy sacred body and blood which I have just received, and that Thou art now really and truly present within me. In loving adoration I prostrate myself before Thee, and cry out from the depths of my heart, " My Lord, my God, and my All!"
ACT OF HOPE AND CONFIDENCE
MY soul, confide in Jesus. He is good; He is almighty; He is merciful. He is God and He loves thee. In the Blessed Eucharist He is sweet and mild and generous. Urged by love, He comes to manifest His love to thee. Yes, my dear Jesus, Thou art my hope and my salvation. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in Thee. I trust, O Lord, that Thou wilt enkindle in my heart the flame of Thy pure love, and a real desire to please Thee; so that, from this day forward, I may never will anything but what Thou wiliest.
"Lead me, O Lord, into the path of Thy commandments; quicken me in Thy way."
"Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths."
" Much peace have they that love Thy law."
— Ps. cxviii. ACT or HUMILITY
O JESUS, my God! Thou art infinite in all perfections; and I am but dust, and unto dust shall I return. Depart from me, O Lord, for I am a sinful man. Yet, O my sweet Jesus, if Thou leavest me, to whom shall I go? What will become of me? Rather will I say, "Stay with me, Lord; abide always within my heart; and may my heart make every sacrifice for Thee."
ACT OF LOVE
O JESUS, my God, infinite Love, Source and Fount of all that is true, of all that is good, of all that is beautiful, how can I help loving Thee, both because of Thine own infinite goodness and because of Thy goodness and kindness to me! My Jesus! I love Thee with my whole heart. Oh, may I love Thee daily more and more! Amen.
ACT OF THANKSGIVING
My good Jesus, I thank Thee with all my heart for giving me Thyself, the Source of all graces, in holy communion. I thank Thee for all the blessings that I have received from Thee, especially through the Holy Eucharist, in which Thou art ever present to console us and to help us in our needs.
In thanksgiving for all Thy favors, I offer Thee all that I am and all that I have. Dispose of me according to Thy pleasure. May Thy will be done in me and through me now and forever.
Jesus, receive my poor offering.
What can I give Thee?
I give myself to Thee, that I may always serve Thee.
I give Thee my body, that it may be chaste and pure.
I give Thee my soul, that it may be free from sin.
I give Thee my heart, that it may always love Thee.
I give Thee myself in life and in death, that I may be Thine forever and glorify Thee eternally.
Remember the words of Jesus: Ask and you shall receive," and pray for yourself.
O JESUS, wash away my sins with Thy precious blood. O Jesus, the struggle against temptation is not yet finished. My Jesus, when temptation comes near me, make me strong against it. In the moment of temptation may I always say, "Jesus, mercy!" "Mary, help of Christians, come to my assistance."
O MY Jesus, Thou well knowest that I love Thee; but I do not love Thee enough: Oh! make me to love Thee more. O Love which burnest always and is never extinguished, my God, Thou who art Charity itself, kindle in my heart the divine fire which consumes the saints and transforms them into Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, twice a day.
GRANT US, O Lord Jesus, faithfully to imitate the example of Thy Holy Family, so that in the hour of our death, in the company of thy glorious Virgin Mother and St. Joseph, we may deserve to be received by Thee into eternal tabernacles.
Indulgence of 200 days, once a day.
Sweetest Jesus, be to me not a judge but a Saviour.
Indulgence of 50 days, every time.
Listen now for a moment to Jesus; perhaps He has something to say to you. There may be some promise you have made and broken, which He wishes you to make again and keep.
Answer Jesus in your heart, and tell Him all your troubles. Then, pray for others.
O Jesus, look down in mercy on Thy holy Church. Bless our Holy Father, and grant what he asks of Thee. O Jesus, have pity on all sinners, heretics, and infidels. Save them by Thy most precious blood.
O Jesus, bless my father, my mother, my brothers, and sisters; my relatives, friends, and benefactors; and all for whom I have promised to pray; bless them so that they may attain to eternal happiness.
O Jesus, have pity on the poor souls suffering in purgatory, and give them eternal rest.
PETITIONS
O JESUS, merciful Saviour, relying on Thy infinite goodness, I hope to obtain through this holy communion all the graces of which I stand in need for my greater sanctification and eternal salvation. Begging Thy pardon for all the transgressions of my past life, I first of all beseech Thee to give me the grace that I may never again fall into any mortal sin. I would rather be dead than live a moment without Thy grace and Thy love. But Thou, O Lord, knowest how weak I am and how prone to evil. Do Thou strengthen me by Thy grace, that I may be faithful in doing Thy will. Thou canst heal all the evils of my soul since Thou art its true Physician, Who givest me Thy body and blood in this Blessed Sacrament as a sovereign medicine for all my infirmities. Dispel the darkness of ignorance from my understanding by Thy heavenly light; banish the corruption and malice of my will by the fire of Thy divine love; subdue in me all evil passions and help me especially to overcome my predominant fault; stand by me in all temptations of the devil, the world, and the flesh, that I may not fall into their snares. Increase my faith and grant that in my daily life I may be guided by Thy example and the maxims of Thy holy Gospel. Teach me to be poor in spirit; to place no value upon the world's transitory pleasures and honors; to be meek and humble of heart and in patience to possess my soul; to love Thee more and more and to walk always in Thy presence; to be kind and generous to my neighbor; to strive earnestly to advance every day in holiness and perfection. May Thy holy will be accomplished in me. Grant me, above all, the grace of final perseverance, that I may become a saint.
O Mary, immaculate Mother of God! All ye angels and saints of heaven! unite your prayers with mine as you stand before the throne of divine grace, and, above all, pray that I may be united with you in loving, praising, and enjoying God for all eternity.
Petitions to St. Augustine
Lord Jesus, may I know myself and know Thee,
And desire nothing save only Thee.
May I hate myself and love Thee.
May I do everything for the sake of Thee.
May I humble myself and exalt Thee.
May I think of nothing except Thee.
May I die to myself and live in Thee.
May I receive whatever happens as from Thee.
May I banish self and follow Thee.
And ever desire to follow Thee.
May I fly from myself and fly to Thee,
That I may deserve to be defended by Thee.
May I fear for myself and fear Thee,
And be among those who are chosen by Thee.
May I distrust myself and trust in Thee.
May I be willing to obey on account of Thee.
May I cling to nothing but to Thee.
May I be poor for the sake of Thee.
Look upon me that I may love Thee.
Call me that I may see Thee, And ever and ever enjoy Thee. Amen.
Indulgence of 50 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Sept. 25, 1883.
Reflections after Communion
I. CALL to mind frequently during the day that you have received Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and say to yourself: "This morning Jesus Christ, the Son of God, condescended to come and dwell within me, and gave Himself to me." By doing this, you will derive greater fruit from your communion; you will gain more patience under difficulties, and be more careful in keeping the grace of God in your soul; you will more easily acquire true and real devotion; you will set a good example to others, and have a continual inducement to lead a good Christian life. Make Father Russell's thought and prayer your own:
"During all the hours that follow of this day, my thoughts, my words, and my deeds must be the thoughts and words and deeds that are fitting one on whom so many graces are showered hour by hour, the latest being this sacramental communion. And so from day to day, from communion to communion, may I sanctify my soul and serve Thee, my almighty and all-merciful God, my Creator, my Redeemer, my Judge — from day to day, and from communion to communion, on to the last communion which I hope to receive as my Viaticum. May that Viaticum conduct my soul, pure from sin, safe to the feet of my Jesus, Who has just now come to me as my Saviour, but then must be my Judge. O Jesus, my Saviour, be to me indeed a Saviour then and now and forever."
2. Retire frequently into your heart, in order to renew an act of adoration of Jesus, or of thanksgiving for the loving visit He made you in the morning, and rekindle the fire of divine charity by some holy aspiration. We would not so quickly lose the fervor of devotion and the love of God, if we took greater pains about this; and Jesus Christ would not have to lament the coldness of men toward Him, if they only thought oftener of His benefits and His love, especially in the Most Holy Sacrament, and thanked Him becomingly.
3. Frequently renew the offering of your heart to our dear Lord. By giving Himself to you, He desires to gain you to His love; He earnestly asks you to give Him your heart in exchange for the infinite gift He has bestowed upon you. Will you be so ungrateful as to deny Him your heart, and to give it to the world and the devil on the very day on which He has come to take possession of it? Ah! no; this must not be; you have consecrated your heart to Jesus in your communion; you must ratify and confirm this offering; and if the world, with its enticements, vanities, and false pleasures, wishes to enter into your heart, say that you have given it forever to Jesus. If the devil with his suggestions, and the flesh with its temptations, assail your heart, answer generously and courageously that you have given it to Jesus, to be His and His alone and forever. Oh, if all Christians were but to do this after their communion, they would preserve the grace of God and not relapse into sin.
4. Remember that your tongue has received Jesus, that it has touched His sacred body when you went to communion. Only recall this thought to mind when you feel tempted to speak impatiently, or so as to offend or injure your neighbor; and surely it will keep you from offending Jesus with that tongue which has been sanctified by the touch of His sacred flesh.
5. In connection with your visits to the Blessed Sacrament, make a spiritual communion, renewing in the most lively manner your desire to receive our dear Lord into your heart. Remember, for love of us Jesus remains night and day in the tabernacle, ardently desiring to communicate Himself to our souls, and bestow His graces upon us. Ah! what monstrous forgetfulness and ingratitude, if, when we can easily visit Him, we neglect to go to Him during the day to pay our homage and adoration to Him in return for all His love.
N.B. — To these devotions after communion may be added (or in place of them may be substituted), according to one's time and pleasure, other acts and prayers in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, the Passion of Our Lord, or the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Litany for Holy Communion
(Before or After)
This excellent litany from Mother Loyola's " Confession and Communion" is intended for private devotion. The approved and indulgenced Litanies of the Holy Name of Jesus and of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, when recited slowly after holy communion, are apt to excite happy inspirations and devout reflections.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity one God,
Jesus, living Bread which came down from Heaven,
Jesus, Bread from Heaven giving life to the world,Hidden God and Saviour,
My Lord and my God,
Who hast loved us with an everlasting love,
Whose delights are to be with the children of men,
Who hast given Thy flesh for the life of the world,
Who dost invite all to come to Thee, Who dost promise eternal life to those who receive Thee,
Who with desire dost desire to eat this Pasch with us,
Who art ever ready to receive and welcome us,
Who dost stand at our door knocking,
Who hast said that if we will open to Thee the door,
Thou wilt come in and sup with us,
Who dost receive us into Thy arms and bless us with the little children,
Who dost suffer us to sit at Thy feet with Magdalen,
Who dost invite us to lean on Thy bosom with the beloved disciple.
Who hast not left us orphans,
Most dear Sacrament,
Sacrament of love,
Sacrament of sweetness,
Life-giving Sacrament,
Sacrament of strength,
My God, and my all,
That our hearts may pant after Thee as the hart after the fountains of water, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst manifest Thyself to us as to the two disciples in the breaking of bread ,
That we may know Thy voice like Magdalen,
That with a lively faith we may confess with the beloved disciple — "It is the Lord,"
That Thou wouldst bless us who have not seen and: have believed,
That we may love Thee in the Blessed Sacrament with our whole heart, with our whole soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength,
That the fruit of each communion may be fresh love.
That our one desire may be to love Thee and to do Thy will.
That we may ever remain in Thy love, That Thou wouldst teach us how to receive and welcome Thee, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst teach us to pray, and Thyself pray within us, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That with Thee every virtue may come into our souls. We beseech Thee, hear us.
That through this day Thou wouldst keep us closely united to Thee, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst give us grace to persevere to the end, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst then be our support and Viaticum, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That with Thee and leaning on Thee we may safely pass through all dangers. We beseech Thee, hear us.
That our last act may be one of perfect love, and our last breath a long deep sigh to be in Our Father's house, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thy sweet face may smile upon us when we appear before Thee, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That our banishment from Thee, dearest Lord, may not be very long. We beseech Thee, hear us.
That when the time is come, we may fly up from our prison to Thee and in Thy sacred Heart find our rest forever, We beseech Thee, hear us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us. We beseech Thee, hear us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. We beseech Thee, hear us.
V. Stay with us, Lord, because it is toward evening.
R. And the day is now far spent.
Let us pray
WE come to Thee, dear Lord, with the apostles, saying. Increase our faith? Give us a strong and lively faith in the mystery of Thy real presence in the midst of us. Give us the splendid faith of the centurion, which drew from Thee such praise. Give us the faith of the beloved disciple to know Thee in the dark and say, It is the Lord! Give us the faith of Martha to confess, Thou art Christ the Son of the living God? Give us the faith of Magdalen to fall at Thy feet crying, Rabboni, Master. Give us the faith of all Thy saints, to whom the Blessed Sacrament has been heaven begun on earth. In every communion increase our faith; for with faith, love and humility, and reverence and all good, will come into our souls. Dearest Lord, increase our faith.
Peace with Jesus
MY LOVING Saviour! ah, what depth of love
Hath made Thee leave Thy heavenly throne above
And come to visit me, to be my food,
To make my sinful body Thy abode;
To shield me from the world, to make me pure,
To give me strength, with patience to endure.
Ah, let me with a burning soul draw near.
And fondly, with St. John, without a fear,
Lean my poor head upon Thy loving breast.
And in Thy sacred arms serenely rest,
Depart, each earthly care, each worldly smile;
Leave me alone with Jesus for a while.
Sweet Jesus! by this sacrament of love
All gross affections from my heart remove;
Let but Thy loving kindness linger there,
Preserved by grace and perfected by prayer;
And let me to my neighbor strive to be
As mild and gentle as Thou art with me.
Take Thou the guidance of my whole career.
That to displease Thee be my only fear;
Give me that peace the world can never give,
And in Thy loving presence let me live.
Ah! show me always. Lord, Thy holy will
And to each troubled thought say, "Peace, be still."
— R. Trainer.