20TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME B
SACRAMENTAL OR SPIRITUAL?
JN 6: 51-58
MESSAGE
During the pandemic, we learned about the two ways of receiving the Lord Jesus in Holy Communion: the sacramental and the spiritual. Sacramental Communion is the reception of the Body of Christ in person, in its physical form of Bread and Wine, when attending Mass in church. Some receive in the hand and others directly in the mouth. Spiritual Communion became the norm when during the pandemic, congregating for Mass was not allowed. Following the Mass on TV, radio, or internet, a prayer for “Spiritual Communion” was recited, inviting Jesus to make himself present in one’s heart, while longing for the chance again to receive him sacramentally.
But a question was formed in our minds: which manner of Communion is the superior one? Is Spiritual Communion inferior and secondary, for emergency purposes, when physical attendance at Mass is impossible? Jesus says in the Gospel: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” This is the goal of Holy Communion, to be united with God and to allow him to take his place in our hearts. It is not merely to receive, to swallow and consume the bread that is now the Body of Christ, but a process more profound.
St. Bonaventure taught that the goal of Holy Communion is Spiritual Communion. You may receive Jesus in the sacrament, but only as a matter of habit, or formality, or compliance. But if you do not receive him spiritually as well, your life will not be transformed. Yes, the sacramental reception is important, but only if you truly invite the Lord into your heart. That is why, during the pandemic, even though we could not go to Mass, we were still able to receive Jesus in spirit… and that is also deep and powerful. And we can do it daily, anywhere and anytime we wish.
REFLECT
It is our practice to go to Mass, especially on Sundays to listen to the Word of God and to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. Outside Mass, however, we can still receive the Lord and be united with him in a very real and spiritual way. Like St. Mother Teresa, we can say: “Jesus in my heart, I believe in your tender love for me. And I love you.” Always invite Jesus into your heart… that is a powerful Communion, too!
