"One of the most admirable effects of Holy Communion is to preserve souls from falling, and to help those who fall from weakness to rise again."
St. Ignatius Loyola
For Reflection:
What sin, weakness, or frailty do I succumb to the most? Could it be that more frequent reception of Holy Communion could help me make progress in this area, and to have the courage to rise again when I fall?
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"Frequent and daily Communion is greatly desired by our Lord and the Church."
St. Pius X
For Reflection:
How often do I receive Communion during the week? If it is less than seven, what can I do to adjust my schedule to receive at least one additional time? To what extent do I think this is really important?
(See the next three Grace Lines for some very good reasons.)
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"This Sacrament infuses into the soul great interior peace, a strong inclination to virtue, and great willingness to practice it, thus rendering it easy to walk in the path of perfection."
St. Alphonsus Liguori
For Reflection:
According to St. Alphonsus Liguori, what are the effects of Holy Communion? To what extent have I experienced these effects of the Sacrament? How does this aid me in my fervency of reception?
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"By Holy Communion, we are changed into the flesh of Him became our flesh."
St. Leo the Great
For Reflection:
In what ways does my life evidence transformation in Christ Jesus? In what ways does it not? What am I willing to do today to become more in the image of the One whom I receive?
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"Love is the key to the mystery. Love by its very nature is not selfish, but generous. It seeks not its own, but the good of others. The measure of love is not the pleasure it gives - that is the way the world judges it - but the joy and peace it can purchase for others."
Bishop Fulton J. Sheen
For Reflection:
Love is not emotion as much as it is a decision of the will. How can I show love today according to the prescriptive of this quote?
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"What do you think His will is? The Lord asks of us only two things: love of His Majesty and love of our neighbor. These are what we must work for. By keeping them with perfection, we do His will and so will be united with Him."
St. Teresa of Avila
For Reflection:
In what way is this quote meant especially for me today?
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"The heart preparing for Communion should be as a crystal vial filled with clear water in which the least mote of uncleanness will be seen."
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
For Reflection:
To what extent do I actually "prepare" for Holy Communion? To what extent do I see myself clearly enough so that my sins and transgressions are plain to me? What do I think is the relationship between preparation, repentance, and a fervent reception of Holy Communion
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"You ought to make every effort to free yourselves even from venial sin, and to do what is most perfect."
St. Teresa of Avila
For Reflection:
Do I work to free myself from my personal weaknesses and sins - even the smallest? "To do what is most perfect" may mean to practice the virtue that is opposite my sin and frailty. What are these and how can I begin to make progress today?
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"If you do not receive him who repents, because you are merciless, you sin against the Lord God for you do not obey Our Lord and God in acting as He acted."
Anonymous
(Teaching of the Twelve Apostles)
For Reflection:
With regard to forgiving those who have offended me, how "God-like" am I? Today, I pray to receive the grace to forgive that one person against whom I have withheld mercy.
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"If you have anything against anyone, forgive it. You come here to receive forgiveness of sins, and you, too, must forgive him who has sinned against you."
St. Cyril of Jerusalem
For Reflection:
Who do I need to forgive today? Am I willing to begin the process and move forward in faith and confidence of God's never-failing mercy?
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