If a rat ate a consecrated host

[TimothyH]

There is something called “spiritual communion” which is, basically, a prayer (usually made when we don’t have access to physical Eucharist). I don’t think the Church teaches that “spiritual communion” is any substitute (ie, is equivalent) for physically receiving Eucharist (but it is surely better than nothing).

David, I urge you do look deeper into spiritual communion. Characterizing it as “better than nothing” does great injustice to the practice.

Spiritual communion is “a real longing for union with Christ.” Physical reception must also always be accompanied by this spiritual desire or it is not communion at all. All communion is therefor spiritual.

St. Thomas teaches that “complete communion can even take place when we are unable to receive sacramentally, and that the effect of the sacrament can be secured if it is received with desire. St. Catherine of Siena wrote quite a bit about the value of spiritual communion as well.

You may also want to read the encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharista, especially paragraph 34 where St. Pope John Paul II writes about spiritual communion.

St. Pope John Paul II points out that the celebration of the Eucharist in the Mass is not the starting point for communion. The longing to be united with Jesus and his Church is presupposed before we ever go to Mass to receive physically. Spiritual communion - desire in the heart - is therefor the starting point for any communion.

These are not my teachings but the teachings of Popes, Saints and Doctors of the Church.

Back to the original topic, the rat consumed Jesus but a rat cannot desire union with Jesus.

-Tim-

 

[DavidFilmer]

Characterizing it as “better than nothing” does great injustice to the practice.

It was not my intention to disparage spiritual communion (or any other form of prayer). But it’s not “as good as” actually going to Mass (and it should never be viewed as equivalent - that’s tantamount to sacrilege). So it’s somewhere between “nothing” and going to Mass.

I’m somewhat comfortable saying it’s “the next best thing” to Mass (a plenary indulgence usually includes Mass). But someone will surely take issue, saying that a Rosary would be preferable you are somehow able to only do one or the other. Ah, the perils of trying to “rank” devotions.

 

[TimothyH]

It was not my intention to disparage spiritual communion (or any other form of prayer). But it’s not “as good as” actually going to Mass (and it should never be viewed as equivalent - that’s tantamount to sacrilege). So it’s somewhere between “nothing” and going to Mass.

I’m somewhat comfortable saying it’s “the next best thing” to Mass (a plenary indulgence usually includes Mass). But someone will surely take issue, saying that a Rosary would be preferable you are somehow able to only do one or the other. Ah, the perils of trying to “rank” devotions.

I didn’t say it was equivalent, nor did I say it was a replacement, but neither is spiritual communion “The next best thing.” It is rather, the basis and foundation for physical communion. Spiritual and physical communion are two parts of the same thing.

I consider you one of the most intelligent writers here on CAF David, and urge you to read the writings of the saints on the matter including Chapter 35 of The Way to Perfection by St. Teresa of Jesus as well as the writings of St. Catherine of Siena.

-Tim-