Thanks Nanetteclaret for reply. But what I’m getting at is how is this ‘help’ defined? After receiveing the host, what is the realized benefit?
I can only speak for myself, but the benefit I receive is the grace to consistently overcome temptation. As a side note, my wife says I am a lot nicer, too.
That depends on the need of the communicant.
You will be receiving Jesus Himself, and He will help you to become more like Him, in order to have life everlasting. “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.” John 6:51,53-58
If you receive in a state of grace, you will receive Jesus. All your venial sins will be wiped away and you will receive love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, self-control (Galations 5:22-23). You will gain strength to “take up your cross and follow Him.” Jesus said, “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” Jesus will dwell in you! He said, “Be of good courage, I have overcome the world.” Of course you won’t be perfect, but you will be on your way ... (”Be ye perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect.”)