Uniting the Heart to Jesus

“For God So Loved the World” by an unknown artist, 1700s

The person I have most abused is Jesus. I have abandoned Him on the altar, on the cross, in other souls, and in my own heart—which still lacks so much love. And yet, He does not withdraw Himself from me. More than anything, He hopes for the chance to live always in me—even in the cold and dangerous room that is my heart. He does not force His way there, but waits for my invitation.

Because I need Him—more than life itself—I make an Act of Spiritual Communion. I unlock the bare, steel tabernacle of my heart and beg Him to enter. He does not refuse, or make me wait—He knows how fast I wither, apart from Him. He has already crossed the threshold into my heart. I reach up for Him like delighted child. But then, I hesitate. I have hurt Him so much, already. Will my sharp and unfinished edges only cut Him, again? I shrink back, I can go no further toward Him.

But my sweet Jesus knows me. He has already picked me up—He is already embracing me. I cling to His frail and wounded form, even though I know my sins have gashed Him, my selfishness has deprived Him. I should be comforting and feeding Him—but it is He who comforts and feeds me. This is the Jesus I seek perfect union with. This is the Jesus I call into my heart, again and again. This is the Jesus from whom I never wish to escape.

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ACT OF SPIRITUAL COMMUNION: to unite oneself to Jesus by St Alphonsus Liguori

My Jesus, 

I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. 
I love You above all things, 
and I desire to receive You into my soul. 
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. 
I embrace You as if You were already there 
and unite myself wholly to You. 
Never permit me to be separated from You.

Amen.