What’s Wrong With Me?

As Catholics, we are blessed to be able to receive the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.? Unfortunately, many of us fail to appreciate this tremendous gift.? As we’re walking up the aisle to receive Our Lord, we look around the church and think of everything under the sun.? After we receive Him, we sometimes find ourselves distracted with thoughts of our “to do” list.? What’s “wrong” with us?? Why don’t we care more about this unimaginable gift?

First of all, let me reassure you by telling you that this happens to ME all of the time!? I constantly have to work on focusing at Mass and when receiving Communion.? Like it or not, we are human and are afflicted by all of weaknesses that go along with our humanity.? We must also remember that we can fix some of the problem, but God has to help us with the rest.

What can WE do?? For starters, we can ask the Lord to help us appreciate the gift of Holy Communion…and ask, and ask, and ask, etc.? This is something we should continue to do for the rest of our lives, as we want to constantly seek a greater appreciation of the Eucharist.?

Secondly, we can read about and meditate upon the Holy Eucharist.? There are tons of books and resources out there that can inspire us and help us to understand this great gift.? Many of the saints and Church Fathers have reflected upon the Real Presence and we can learn a lot from their insight.

Finally, don’t panic!? There’s nothing wrong with you if you don’t always “feel something” after receiving the Eucharist.? The only time to panic is when you’re not trying to do anything to appreciate this great gift.? Before receiving Holy Communion, ask the Lord to help increase your joy and desire to receive Him in Holy Communion.? Afterward, thank Him, talk to Him and ask to receive all of the possible graces associated with the Sacrament.? It might take a little time, but you’ll start to see a difference in your life.

Try it out and let me know…