The Goal of the Eucharist is Spiritual Communion

For Bonaventure, in fact, it is the heart that receives the Eucharist: The most proper way to consume the Eucharist is not simply physically, with the mouth of the body, but rather “with the mouth of the heart.” To eat with the heart involves “chewing” by reflecting on the food given and “incorporating” or swallowing the food by reflecting “with the love of charity.” That is, to eat with the heart involves faith and charity. To participate in the Eucharist thus requires intention, awareness and prayerful preparation.