This Miraculous Gift
by Rev. Susan Wallace
As part of the May CLM Zoom series, Padre asked me to bless the bread for our Communion service. Having been raised Catholic, I have been receiving Communion since I was seven years old. That was familiar. But now, to be the instrument for blessing the bread, to usher in the transformation into the Divine Presence, that felt like a big stretch.
So I set about praying, reflecting, reading and learning about the Eucharist at a deeper level. I remembered the CLM Retreat a few years ago, where the Communion service was taken over by the Holy Spirit, where we were suffused with the palpable Presence of God. I looked for Bible accounts of the Eucharist, and found them scanty. My intuitive sense was that the Apostles didn’t know what to make of this miracle, performed before their eyes, and that neither Matthew, Mark, Luke or John comprehended it in a way they could communicate. And I realized how few of us understand, to this day, what goes on in Communion. It really is a miracle, and a profound mystery.
The more I thought about this miraculous gift, the more thoughts faded away, and I was led to experience the Love present in the gift. I felt the multi-dimensionality of the Eucharist. It enters our physical body, it feeds our spiritual self, and it carries healing blessings to every aspect and expression of our life. Being the actual Presence of God, there is no human need or problem the Eucharist can not address.
So it became clear to me that Communion is not to be understood, just as Love is not understood. It is to be lived, savored, appreciated, celebrated, received time and again as the source of what we humans seek…our intimate connection with God. Like God’s Love, Communion is universal. It is for all of us. It does not belong to any sect or religion. And it is so very personal. It is a physical means by which God enters into the body and soul of each individual, bringing that which is most needed at the very moment we are receiving it.
As I was falling more and more in love with this blessed Sacrament, I received the most generous gift from God. I was invited to receive Communion daily! All I had to do was sit in prayer, ask God to bless the elements and to make the Divine Essence more deeply part of me. It's only been a few weeks, but I can tell you, the Holy Spirit really does show up! Each day, I enjoy intimate time with the Divine, who is becoming more and more of a dear friend, a wise guide, a loving companion and partner. Yesterday I was reminded that my friend and guide, St. Giuseppe Moscati, was a passionate adorer of the Eucharist, so perhaps he helped steer me here. I don’t know, but I am extremely grateful for this enrichment to my life.
Holy Spirit wants me to tell you that we are all invited to the feast. Each one of us can create our Communion practice, and partake of the miracle whenever we want more of God. If you begin a Communion practice, or even try it once, please share. I’d love to hear about your experience!
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