#correct disposition

Cardinal Bona asks, ‘Why is it that so many souls, after so many communions, make so little progress in the way of God?’ He answers his question by stating that 'the fault is not in the food but rather in the dispensation of the person who receives it.’ In other words, there is not sufficient preparation on the part of the communicant. Fire quickly burns dry wood but not wood that is green because the green wood is not fit to burn. The saints derived great profit from their Communions because they were very careful in their preparation for the reception of the sacrament.

A right intention consists in this: that he who approaches the holy Table should do so, not out of routine, or vainglory, or human respect, bur for the purpose of pleasing God, of being more closely united with Him by charity, and of seeking this divine remedy for his weaknesses and defects. 

Although it is most expedient that those who communicate frequently or daily should be free from venial sins, especially from such as are fully deliberate, and from ay affection thereto, nevertheless it is sufficient that they be free from mortal sin, with the purpose of never sinning mortally in the future; and, if they have this sincere purpose, it is impossible but that daily communicants should gradually emancipate themselves from even venial sins, and from all affection thereto.

But whereas the Sacraments of the New Law, though they take effect ex ópere operáto, nevertheless produce a greater effect in proportion as the dispositions of the recipient are better: therefore, care is to be taken that Holy Communion be preceded by serious preparation, and followed by a suitable thanksgiving according to each one’s strength, circumstances, and duties.