Ask a Priest: What exactly is “Spiritual Communion?”

The situation we find ourselves in is new territory for literally everyone, impacting every facet of our lives. You don’t need me to point out that obvious fact. No one would have expected that something could make the entire church-going population of the world watch their Easter services from home, but that is exactly what has happened.

There is a danger here, if we weren’t aware. Many appreciate the ability to watch the Mass broadcast, sometimes even from their local parish, yet they’re still disconnected. We call the Mass “the source and summit” of our faith, because it is. It “re-presents” Jesus’ death and resurrection before us. Therefore, there is no real substitute for actually attending the Mass—in the room, in the flesh. Connecting to a Mass via TV or the internet is good when that is as much as one can do, but all of the sacraments are, by nature, the meeting of Christ through a priest with his people. This minimally requires that we be physically present.

How can we avoid letting our hearts grow cold toward the Mass and the sacraments while things are this way? Even once we’re able to start attending Mass again—likely in small, planned groups, equipped with facemasks and hand sanitizer—the congregants may still be unable to receive the Eucharist. Given enough time, we might find ourselves thinking, “I’ve gotten along fine without the Mass. I don’t really need to make an effort to go in the future.”

We have a surprising opportunity right now to expand other aspects of our faith, which in turn can re-energize the way we go to Mass again someday. Such is the practice of making an act of “Spiritual Communion.” One can find prayers online (or hear them recited on a live-streamed Mass) that are called, “An Act of Spiritual Communion,” but St. Thomas Aquinas probably described it best when he wrote, “a spiritual communion is an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Sacrament of Holy Communion at Mass, and lovingly embracing him as if we had actually received him.” Therefore, “Spiritual Communion” is primarily a desire to be united with God no matter where we are and what we’re doing. Sometimes we talk about receiving the Eucharist as if receiving the Eucharist is getting a thing, but it’s not. Receiving the Eucharist is having an experience with Jesus Christ, and Jesus wants us to have communion with him in everything we do.

God makes himself present in many ways, and they reinforce each other. “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them,” Jesus famously promised (Matt. 18:20). When a family is gathered to pray in a living room, they have the chance to commune with Jesus. Even when someone prays alone, “the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.” (Rom. 8:26) When we serve the needy, Jesus told us “you did [those acts] to me.” (Matt. 25:40) Even calling out the name of Jesus connects us to him! The Catechism tells us, “[Jesus’] name is the only name that contains the presence it signifies” (CCC 2666). Simply invoking his name welcomes his presence. Even when circumstances might legitimately keep us from Jesus’ supreme presence in the Eucharist, God does not leave us alone.

You may have already thought of other examples besides those I just listed. Great! Connecting with God, present in so many ways, requires our effort and attention, but that is good! We have to be purposeful to make our hearts his home. If our spiritual vision has become blurred to Jesus’ presence, these efforts are like putting on spiritual glasses. Then, when we have the pleasure of receiving his Body and Blood again, we can be more attentive and intentional to do so with wide open hearts.

When I celebrate Mass currently, I always recite for those watching a newly-composed prayer by Pope Francis asking Jesus to come to us no matter where we are. I will leave that for you here to pray as well. Pray it when you are watching the Mass from your home or in the midst of any other activity.
 
At your feet, O my Jesus, I prostrate myself and I offer the repentance of my contrite heart, which is humbled in its nothingness and in your holy presence. I adore You in the Sacrament of Your love, the Eucharist. I desire to receive You into the poor dwelling my heart offers You. While waiting for the happiness of sacramental Communion, I wish to possess You in spirit. Come to me, O my Jesus, since I, for my part, am coming to You! May Your love embrace me in life and in death. I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee, I love Thee. Amen.