Catholics believe that Jesus is truly and substantially present in the Eucharist, and when they approach the altar to receive the bread and wine, they do so to receive Jesus himself.
At times this belief can be difficult to comprehend and remains a mystery of the Catholic Church. This is why it is important to regularly affirm our faith in Jesus’ Real Presence, especially before receiving him in Holy Communion.
Here is a prayer from the early 20th century that can be said before receiving communion to assert your faith that Jesus is truly there under the appearances of bread and wine.
My good Jesus,
I believe with a firm and lively faith
that in this adorable sacrament are Thy body and blood,
soul and divinity.
I believe that in this consecrated Host
I shall receive that same body
which was born of the most pure Virgin Mary in Bethlehem,
which suffered so many pains and torments for love of me
on the Way of the Cross and on Calvary,
and which rose gloriously the third day from the dead.
I believe that I shall receive God Himself.I adore Thee, O my God, as my Creator,
my Preserver, my Redeemer, and my Judge,
truly present in the Holy Eucharist.Divine Host, I adore Thee
with the angels who fill the sanctuary
and hover over the tabernacle
as they hovered over the cave of Bethlehem in the Holy Night;
I adore Thee, my God,
with the Blessed Virgin,
and in union with all the saints.Lord and Master of the universe,
Who hast fixed Thy dwelling amongst men,
I adore Thee with profound gratitude.
O my Jesus, bless this temple wherein Thou residest,
but still more the heart that I offer Thee
as a living abode and place of rest.
Deign ever to inhabit it by Thy grace and Thy love,
and may my sins never banish Thee from it! Lord,
I have a firm faith,
but do Thou strengthen my faith,
and animate it so that it may produce in my soul
deeper sentiments of adoration and love.Good Lord, increase my faith that I may love Thee more, and be more generous in my sacrifices for love of Thee and for the love of my neighbours.
Amen.
