On the Most Holy Mystery of the Eucharist

Up to this point, dear reader, I have presented to you four weapons needed for overcoming enemies in the unseen warfare: distrust of oneself, unwavering hope in God, resistance to sin and struggle against it, and prayer.

Now I wish to point you to yet another powerful weapon in this struggle—namely, the Most Holy Mystery of the Eucharist.

As this Mystery is the highest among the Mysteries, so it is the mightiest and most enemy-shattering among spiritual weapons. The four weapons we have discussed receive their power from the gracious forces and gifts won for us by the Blood of Christ; but this Mystery is the very Blood and very Body of Christ, with the presence of Christ God Himself. With those four weapons, we fight our enemies by the power of Christ; but in this one, the Lord Christ strikes our enemies through us or together with us. For whoever eats the Body of Christ and drinks His Blood remains in Christ and Christ in him, as He Himself said: ”He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him” (John 6:56). Therefore, when we gain victory over our enemies, it is the Blood of Christ that conquers them, as it is written in the Apocalypse: ”And they conquered him” (the devil-accuser) ”by the blood of the Lamb” (Rev. 12:11).

This most holy Mystery—this all-conquering weapon, or rather Christ Himself present in this Mystery—can be received efficaciously in two ways: first, sacramentally, in the Mystery of the Body and Blood of Christ, with due preparation—that is, with contrition, Confession, cleansing through a penance, and the required fasting; and second, spiritually and mentally, in the mind and heart.

The first can take place as often as external circumstances, one’s inner state, and the discernment of one’s spiritual father permit; while the second can take place every moment, so that you may always have this all-powerful weapon in your hands and be shielded by it from enemies without ceasing. Heed this, therefore, and receive the Holy Mysteries of Christ as frequently as possible, whenever you have the blessing of your spiritual father; and strive without interruption to taste the Lord Jesus spiritually and mentally—for which the guidance offered in the preceding chapters on prayer will serve as your guide.