The world is
currently in a deep-doldrum following the announcement of a terrible respiratory
disease-Covid-19 caused by a virus called corona-virus. The infectious disease
causes respiratory illness, like the flu, with symptoms such as a cough, fever,
and in more severe cases, difficulty in breathing. It is a fact, even those
saved by the blood of Jesus are encouraged to follow World Health Organization
(WHO) guidelines to protect themselves from the virus at the same time asking
God- Almighty for an immediate answer. Many are still grappling, including the
Christian Community across the world, on why God has abandoned his people. The
cumbersomeness of the disease has sent a wave of fear, stress, helplessness, economic
and political instability; given that there has not been registered success to
find the medical formula for its cure.
The Lenten
period (Lent) reminds us of how God will not abandon his people; in whatever
situation, our Lord is above board. The suffering on the Cross is enough
evidence for every believer that, the: fear, stress, helplessness among others
have been dealt with at the Cross. In times of difficulties, we are called to
put our faith in Jesus and look up to him for solutions. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, “Be strong and
courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the
LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you”. Psalms
also emphasize how God will not abandon his children. He is God of justice,
what he requires from us, is faith, and more to this Lenten period; Prayer and
helping others who are in need. (The Lord will not abandon his people; he will
not desert those who belong to him -Psalms: 94:14-23). As cited in Catechesis of Divine Mercy, God
is merciful. He is Love poured out for us, and He wants all of us to turn to
Him with trust in repentance and conversation while there is still time.
In the face
of Covid-19, where we are faced with many restrictions, in other cases not able
to receive the Body of Christ, Spiritual Communion will fill our void and unite
us with Christ. Spiritual Communion is a Christian practice of desiring union
with Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is used as a preparation for Holy
Mass and by individuals who cannot receive Holy Communion. As noted by one
Catholic Writer, “The great desire of Jesus to unite with us is infinite and
omnipotent: it has no other barrier than our liberty. Jesus has multiplied the
miracles to give Himself to us in the Eucharist.”
The Catechism of the Council of Trent which
is the compendium of the Roman doctrine, states that “It is necessary that the
pastors of souls teach that there is not only one way of receiving the
admirable fruits of the Sacrament of Eucharist, but two: Sacramental Communion
and Spiritual Communion.” The latter is not very well known, and it is
practiced by a very few faithful, nonetheless it is an incomparable and special
myriad and fountain of graces. As noted by the history of faith, countless
souls have attained a high degree of perfection through it.
Saint Teresa of Avila noted that “When
you do not receive Communion and you do not attend Mass, you can make a
Spiritual Communion, which is a most beneficial practice; by it, the love of
God will be greatly impressed on you."
Our Lord said to Saint Matilda: “Every time
your heart desires Me, you attract Me into you. A desire or a longing is enough
to make Me yours.” He said to Saint Margaret of Alacoque: “My daughter, your
desire has pierced My Heart so deeply that if I had not already instituted this
Sacrament, I would do so now to become your food.” Our Lord also requested
Saint Margaret of Cortona to remind a religious the words of Saint Augustine,
“Believe and you have eaten already”; that is, make an act of Faith and desire
towards the Eucharist, and you will be fed by this divine food.
Below
is An Act of Spiritual Communion with the Prayer of St Alphonsus Maria of
Liguori:
My
Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
(Pause
in Silence for Adoration)
I embrace You as if You were already there and
unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
Article by Misheck Gondo: Misheck Gondo is a Catholic Catechist,
Researcher, Writer and Blogger who writes in his personal capacity. He can be
contacted at gondo.gism@gmail.com
Acknowledgments:
Catechesis of Divine Mercy (Rev. Francis
X.McGerty)
Catholicity Blog.com
