Special moments

Giving Up On Perfect has asked readers to share special moments in their spiritual life. The blogger mentioned Communion as being special to her, and as a Catholic, I can't help but agree.

One of the most precious moments for a Catholic is receiving Communion. We believe that Jesus was being literal when he said "This is my Body" and "This is my Blood". And we believe that when we receive the bread and wine, we are receiving His Body and Blood - just as He said. I can't imagine a more intimate moment with our Lord than to actually be able to partake of this sacred feast.

Padre Pio composed a prayer to read after receiving Communion. My husband reminded me of this prayer today at the Holy Thursday service, and I hope you'll find it as meaningful as we have.

Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You.

Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life, and without You, I am without fervor.

Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light, and without You, I am in darkness.

Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will.

Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You.

Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much, and always be in Your company.

Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You.

Stay with me, Lord, for as poor as my soul is, I wish it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of Love.

Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close, and life passes, death, judgment, eternity approaches.

It is necessary to renew my strength, so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You.

It is getting late and death approaches. I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows.

O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile!

Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all its dangers, I need You.

Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of bread, so that the Eucharistic Communion be the light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart.

Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by Communion, at least by grace and love.

Stay with me, Jesus. I do not ask for divine consolation, because I do not merit it, but, the gift of Your Presence, oh yes, I ask this of You!

Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for: Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more.

With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity.

Amen

May God richly bless you as we approach Good Friday and the great Easter feast.