There once was a woman who approached to receive Holy Communion with deep respect. But as soon as she got back to her seat, she glanced around the church, checked her phone for messages, and started planning what she would prepare for lunch later that day.

Not far from her, an older lady stayed kneeling, her eyes closed, speaking softly to Jesus.

After Mass, the younger woman turned to her and asked, “Why do you remain there praying for so long after receiving Communion?”

The elderly woman smiled gently and said, “Because for those few short, precious minutes, I am with Jesus in a way unlike any other.”

Her words capture a truth the Church has always held close: the moments right after receiving Holy Communion are among the most sacred parts of a Catholic’s entire day.

But what exactly should we do during this special time?

To find the answer, we can look to the story from the Bible about the road to Emmaus. Two disciples walked alongside the risen Jesus, yet they did not recognize who He was. When they reached their home, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and handed it to them. In that instant, their eyes were opened, and they knew Him. Just as quickly, He disappeared from their sight. Still, they turned to each other and said, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He spoke to us along the way?” (Luke 24:32).

Their meeting with Jesus changed them completely. Instead of going back to their usual routines as if nothing had happened, they held that moment close and answered Him with faith and gratitude.

Holy Communion invites us to do exactly the same.

First, take time to give thanks.

The simplest and most meaningful response is to thank Him. The Creator of all things has come to dwell within us through the Sacrament itself. A sincere prayer of gratitude is one of the most beautiful gifts we can offer in return.

Second, speak to Jesus from your heart.

You don’t need fancy or perfect words. Tell Him you love Him. Ask Him to help you grow closer to holiness. Place your family, your worries, and your hopes into His hands. These quiet minutes are a wonderful opportunity to talk openly and personally with Christ.

Third, pray for the people around you.

Now that Jesus is present within you, lift up those who need His help. Pray for your loved ones, the sick, those who have passed away, your parish, the whole Church, and the world. The One who listens to every prayer is right there with you.

Fourth, ask for the grace to live what you have received.

Receiving Holy Communion isn’t just about welcoming Jesus—it is also about becoming more like Him. Ask Him to give you strength to forgive others, to resist temptation, to grow in kindness, and to live out the Gospel every day.

Fifth, stay focused and recollected until Mass continues.

Try to set aside distractions. The Church encourages us to keep a spirit of silence and attention after Communion, so we can remain close to Jesus until the final prayers of the service begin. These few minutes are truly a priceless gift.

In short, the time after receiving Holy Communion is a special moment to give thanks, adore, and speak intimately with Jesus. Instead of rushing ahead with other thoughts or plans, we are called to stay present with Him, share our hearts, pray for others, and ask Him to help us live as faithful followers. These moments help us grow deeper in our union with Christ and prepare us to go out and live our faith in daily life.

Put simply: after receiving Holy Communion, do not hurry away—either in your mind or in your actions. Stay with Jesus. Thank Him, adore Him, share your needs, pray for others, and ask Him to change your heart. Those few minutes are some of the most precious you will ever spend with the Lord.

One helpful note: the Church does not require us to use only one specific prayer after Communion. Whether you use traditional prayers or speak simply from your heart, what matters most is that you spend those precious moments in loving conversation with Jesus, who has just come to you in the Eucharist.

Sources

Sacred Scripture (Catholic Translation):

Luke 24:13–35, John 6:51–58, Psalm 116:12–13, Philippians 4:6–7, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Catechism of the Catholic Church §§1322–1419, 1384–1397

General Instruction of the Roman Missal §§88–89

Source: Catechists of St. Francis Xavier