how to make a holy communion
"The Lord Jesus on the night in which He was betrayed took bread, and after He had given thanks, broke it and said, 'This is My body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.' " —1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Before receiving Holy Communion, we pray: "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You" (see Mt 8:8). No one can ever be worthy to receive the body and blood, soul and divinity of God, but we want to be as holy as possible when we receive Holy Communion. Consequently, we go to Confession frequently, pray and fast before receiving Communion, and serve others humbly and sacrificially before and after receiving Communion.
Jesus revealed to us the right disposition for receiving Holy Communion when He washed the feet of the apostles and said: "What I just did was to give you an example: as I have done, so you must do" (Jn 13:15). Jesus washed the feet of those He knew would soon abandon, deny, and betray Him. Jesus died on the cross in love for even His enemies (see Mt 5:44-45). Loving, humble service even for enemies, even to death, is the attitude of Christ (Phil 2:5) and the right disposition for living life and receiving Communion.
As we begin the Triduum on this Holy Thursday, receive the miracle to love your enemies as the crucified Jesus loves His enemies. Then you will make a holy Communion.
Prayer: Father, may I love my enemies and receive Communion in that love.
Promise: "This day shall be a memorial feast for you, which all your generations shall celebrate with pilgrimage to the Lord, as a perpetual institution." —Ex 12:14
Praise: "O Sacrament most holy, O Sacrament divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine."
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Eucharistic Obedience on audio AV 73-1 or video V-73.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, August 18, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 25, 2001