Eucharistic Reflection - Tranquility of Heart

Let us imagine that the Communion, for which we are

preparing, is to be the last in our lives. Let us prepare,

every time, as though, on quitting the holy table, we

had to pass from this life to eternity.

If we desire that the sacrament of the Eucharist should

produce in us sentiments of the love of God, let us think

of the immense love which God has shown us in instituting

this mystery, and of His design to oblige us thereby to love

Him perfectly.

The reproof of Jesus Christ to Martha for too great

solicitude, should teach some souls, who are disquieted

and wholly taken up with reciting many vocal prayers,

that tranquility of heart, interior recollection and attention

in listening, from time to time, to Jesus Christ in silence,

like Magdalen, is the best preparation we can make.

So that we should employ the greater part of the precious

time that precedes, accompanies and immediately

follows Communion, in making many interior acts, of

which the love of Jesus Christ should be the principle,

and the increase of this love the chief effect. 

(From Devotion to the Sacred Heart by Father John Croiset, S.J.)