When an educated Catholic (including Eastern Rites) or Orthodox Christian approaches the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar (Jesus) there is a fear that comes upon most of us. We often think, who are we that we are able to consume Our Lord? It is almost as if his mercy and grace are more of a theological mystery than the Eucharist itself. For orthodox Christians there is no doubt in our minds that the tiny white Host is the actual presence of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; what we contemplate most is, “are we even worthy to consume him? Let alone be in his very presence!”
In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, there is something called Eucharistic Adoration, where the Host itself is left of the Altar for all the faithful to come and adore Christ. We come to thank Him for this miracle that happens in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (Divine Liturgy for some) every single day throughout the Church (all Catholic Rites and Eastern Orthodox); we plead our case to Jesus, we worship him, bring him our sighs, our mornings, and our joys.
We also say various Spiritual Communions while in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament: “I wish, my Lord, to receive you with the purity, humility, and devotion with which your most holy Mother received you, with the spirit and fervor of all the saints.” Sometimes many Catholics feel a great burden to make various acts of Reparations for all the blasphemies and sacrileges done toward the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.
I believe St. Ambrose of Milan (whose memorial is December 7th) deeply expresses what every single Christian who is a member of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church receives Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Communion should feel. This is a prayer that I make before the Extraordinary Form of the Mass in the Roman Rite daily, for it expresses all of what I desire to express, all it is I feel and desire.
per Mariam ad Jesum,
Carlos C. Urbina
Prayer of St. Ambrose
I draw near to the table of your most delectable banquet, dear Lord Jesus Christ. A sinner, I trust not in my own merit; but, in fear and trembling, I rely on your mercy and goodness. I have a heart and body marked by many grave offenses, and a mind and tongue that I have not guarded well. For this reason, God of loving kindness and awesome majesty, I, a sinner caught by many snares, seek safe refuge in you. For you are the fountain of mercy. I would fear to draw near to you as my judge, but I seek you out as my Savior. Lord, I show you my wounds, and I let you see my shame. Knowing my sins are many and great, I have reason to fear. But I trust in your mercies, for they are beyond all numbering. Look upon me with mercy, for I trust in you, my Lord Jesus Christ, eternal king, God and man, you who were crucified for mankind. Have mercy on me, you who never cease to make the fountain of your mercy flow, for I am full of sorrows and sins. I praise you, the saving Victim offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind. I praise the noble Blood that flows from the wounds of my Lord Jesus Christ, the precious Blood that washes away the sins of all the world. Remember, Lord, you creature, whom you have redeemed with your own Blood. I am sorry that I have sinned, and I long to put right what I have done. Most kind Father, take away all my offenses and sins, so that, purified in body and soul, I may be made worthy to taste the Holy of holies. And grant that this holy meal of your Body and Blood, which I intend to take although I am unworthy, may bring forgiveness of my sins and wash away my guilt. May it mean the end of my evil thoughts and the rebirth of my better longings. May it lead me securely to live in ways that please you, and may it be a strong protection for body and soul against the plots of my enemies. Amen.
