As Catholic women, we long for intimacy with Jesus—a relationship that is personal, transformative, and filled with His love. The Eucharist is the greatest gift Christ has given us to fulfill that longing. In Holy Communion, we do not merely remember Him; we receive Him—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. He comes to dwell within us, to heal, strengthen, and sanctify us.
The Eucharist: A Gift of Love and Mercy
Jesus Himself tells us, “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him” (John 6:56). When we receive Holy Communion, we are united with Christ in the most profound way possible on this side of heaven. This union is not based on our worthiness but on His infinite mercy and desire to be with us.
The Catechism affirms this truth: “Holy Communion augments our union with Christ. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus” (CCC 1391). This sacrament is a tangible sign of God’s love, a personal encounter with Jesus that strengthens us in our daily struggles and fills us with His grace.
God’s Mercy Prepares Us for Communion
Because the Eucharist is the very presence of Christ, the Church calls us to receive Him with a heart made pure by His mercy. If we are aware of serious sin, we should first seek reconciliation through Confession. This is not meant to be a burden but a beautiful act of trust in God’s mercy. St. Faustina reminds us, “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My mercy” (Diary of St. Faustina, 723).
Jesus does not want us to remain distant from Him in fear or shame. Instead, He calls us to return to Him: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Confession allows us to lay our burdens at His feet and receive the grace we need to fully embrace Him in the Eucharist.
Trusting Jesus to Heal and Sanctify Us
Each time we receive Holy Communion, Jesus is at work within us. He heals our wounded hearts, strengthens us against temptation, and molds us into saints. We may not always feel an immediate change, but the grace we receive is real and powerful.
St. Teresa of Avila beautifully expresses this mystery: “When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence.”
No matter where we are on our journey, we can trust that Jesus is leading us closer to Him. He is patient, merciful, and faithful. Let us approach Him in the Eucharist with hearts full of trust, knowing that He alone can heal us and make us holy.
