First Communion

The Feast of the Annunciation

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032525.cfm

Jesus Christ came to this earth for one ultimate end: to unite (actually reunite) humanity with divinity, the way it was supposed to be from the beginning. And He wasted NO TIME.

From the moment of His conception in a virgin womb, Jesus united divinity and humanity. He did this in two very important ways: one - He would be for the rest of His existence both fully man and fully divine. Two - by bringing His divinity within the body of the Virgin Mary, He was foreshadowing how He planned to become part of us for all eternity through His Body and Blood in the Eucharist.

For Mary, her Immaculate Conception provided the sin-free place for the Savior to grow into His humanity, not only in the womb, but as she raised Him as a child - helping Him to come and see the world in a way that was not tainted by sin, greed, self-interest, envy, etc. He needed to see humanity through a set of eyes that saw us as the Father had always intended us. Mary's spotlessness provided both a womb and a home where the Savior could 'grow in wisdom and strength.'

Jesus creates our encounter with Him in the Eucharist in much the same way. Like Mary, we can be sinless through His sacrifice for us and then welcome Him into a sinless heart. The gift of the sacrament of Reconciliation gives us this chance, and we should always desire that our heart be pure before inviting Him to reside there in the Eucharist. This is why, in the Mass, our venial sins are forgiven so that this encounter can remain pure. St. Paul warns us about eating and drinking condemnation on ourselves when we don't tend to our spiritual well-being.

We not only receive Him into ourselves, but should have the intent of nurturing His growth within us. Time in prayer after communion should be focused on activating and nurturing the divine that now resides within us. To this end, my favorite post communion prayer is the Anima Christi prayer:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

Oh good Jesus hear me.

Within your wounds hide me.

Permit me not to be separated from you.

From the wicked foe defend me,

At the hour of my death, call me

And bid me come to you.

So that with your saints, I may praise you forever and ever. Amen

Mary brought forth the child Jesus into the world, and it is our sacred duty to bring Him to birth in the world - through us, for others. Mary's response to this was her great 'Fiat': Let it be done to me according to thy Word. Maybe just for today, we can offer ourselves in this same way to the Lord.