“O Most Holy Virgin, already I am at hand and about to receive thine and my Jesus. From thy hands, I propose to receive Him. Hold Him forth to me as thou didst to the shepherds, and the holy kings, and to St. Simeon; prepare me to receive Him with love. Give Him to me quickly and pray to Him to fill me with His dearest benediction; and do thou accompany it with thine.”--St. Leonard of Port Maurice

Today, as I prepare to leave for a Thanksgiving vacation, I give thanks for the immense gift of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. What a privilege to participate in this supreme act of worship! What a tremor-inducing grace to receive the King of Kings and Lord of Lords in Holy Communion. I anticipate that I will not be able to be present at the Sacrifice for the next three days. May God fill my heart with thoughts of Him and keep Him ever in my sight.

These words of St. Leonard come in the context of his preparation for Mass and Holy Communion. Make his words your own as you approach for Holy Communion or make your spiritual communion.