“Live in such a manner as to be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament every day." St. Augustine.

“Live in such a manner as to be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament every day."
St. Augustine.
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Jesus gives Himself to us

as our spiritual food

when we receive Holy Communion.

Only those in communion with the Church can receive Holy Communion.

In order to be in communion with the Church we  must  be free from mortal sin.

Just imagine we have been invited by the President of our country for a dinner party with him.

How will we prepare ourselves to be worthy of attending a party with such a great person?

Won't  a thrilling sensation keep  passing through  both our mind and body from the time of invitation till even after the party?

Won't  we wear  the best and most attractive dress during the occasion?

We have been invited by the Most Holy Creator of  the whole universe for a feast, 

the food to be served in which,

is His only Son.

We have been invited for a royal feast.

How do we feel at the thought of attending the feast?

Any thrilling sensation?

We would have one if our faith is real and strong,

because the food we are to receive is Jesus, our creator and saviour.

Just imagine how we would decorate our house if our chief minister has announced to pay it a visit and how we would prepare ourselves to receive him.

He is after  all a man like us.

But Jesus is God.

How should our heart be to receive Him?

It should be free from sin.

It should be decorated with all the virtues pleasing to Jesus.

Freedom from sin is not just one day matter.

It is a life time one,

that is,

we must be free from sin all our life.

It is not like decorating our house once to receive the guest and removing the decoration after his leaving.

Our heart must be free from sin and pure always.

Then only we can receive Holy Communion whenever we get an opportunity.

In other words, we must always be ready to receive our Lord.

That is why St. Augustine says,

“Live in such a manner as to be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament every day."

In other words see must live a sinless life always.

If we happen to commit a mortal sin at any time, our communion with the church is cut.

We must reconnect it by an act of contrition and a good confession.

A good confession will get our heart ready to receive Our Lord.

Some people have lost the sense of sin.

They don't worry if their life is as per the commandments of God or against them.

They simply live as they like and approach the Communion table without caring for any preparation.

They don't care about Our Lord

when they receive the consecrated Host with their left hand,

  just  throw it into their mouth

and walk out from the Church

to continue the conversation

begun before the reception of the Host.

A virtuous life will enable us to receive Holy Communion daily.

Daily receipt of the Holy Communion will help us to lead a virtuous life.

What must we do to lead a virtuous life?

We must obey the commandments of God, 

that is,

we must love God and our neighbours.

Our love must flower forth into  acts of love and kindness.

If we receive Our Lord living  with a loving heart, 

He will receive us into Heaven at the end of our earthly life.

Love,

live, 

receive

and

be received.

Lourdu Selvam.