In Holy Communion we receive our Lord in the species of the host and wine. This is the greatest union we can have with Jesus Christ while on earth.

Many people receive Holy Communion regularly but it is easy to fall into routine in doing so. If we remember Who it is that we are receiving we can receive it better, with the “purity, humility and devotion” with which Our Lady received it, in the words of the Spiritual Communion taught by St Josemaria. In this meditation we use quotations from many saints, especially St Josemaria and St John Vianney, and from the Catechism of the Catholic Church to consider:

• Holy Communion is the greatest union we can have with Christ on earth
• It is a promise of heaven, an anticipation of heaven and the means to reach heaven
• Communion cleanses our soul from venial sins and helps us avoid mortal sins
• How we can prepare well to receive Communion
• How we can receive Our Lord with more faith, hope and love
• How we can give thanks better after receiving Communion
• Why we should receive Communion as often as we can