"Before prayer prepare thy soul, and be not as a man who tempteth God" (Eccli. xviii. 23). It is unlawful at any time to rush inconsiderately into the presence of God; and more especially are reflection and preparation required before entering into the intimate intercourse of Holy Communion. St. Paul enforces this duty: "Let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of that bread" (1 Cor. xi. 28). This is an exceedingly important duty if we would exhibit proper respect to Our Lord and profit by our Communions. The return from the seed which is sown in our souls will depend on the amount of culture which the soil has previously received. And yet all our preparation is quite in adequate. Our best is exceedingly little; but it is worth much in the sight of God provided it is our best. No one is really worthy ever to receive Our Lord; nor would the combined fervour of all angels and saints make us worthy. Yet Jesus requires us to contribute what we can of good dispositions; He accepts them as if they were sufficient and supplies our deficiencies from the infinite treasure of His own merits. "Who then can be able to build Him a worthy house? If heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him, who am I that I should be able to build Him a house; but to this end only that incense may be burned before Him" (2 Par. ii. 6). Do not be disturbed on account of your unfitness, but be all the more grateful to Our Lord, and make more fervent efforts to prepare yourself worthily for Him.
