In the post below Lorna politely said "That said I have to say I'm not sure I get the adoration of the Eucharist. I realise that it's because of our diffent theologies concerning this. But I'm glad it worked for you." There are many links through Google about the history and practice of Eucharistic Adoration. Here is one website called The Real Presence Adoration that has many interesting links and articles. Instead of re-stateing what others can say better, let me share my experiences. In addition to participating in mass and praying the rosary, Eucharistic adoration is one of the most impacting devotions I practice. There is a church (not my parish) in my town that has a perpetual adoration chapel. This is a chapel where the consecrated host is exposed and there are people that pray in shifts for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I began this practice 5 years ago. My shift is Fridays at 3:00 AM. Imagine the impact this devotion has on people that the church is able to staff prayer shifts round the clock for many years. I believe this church has practiced this devotion for at least 10 years. There are 3-5 other churches in my town with perpetual adoration chapels.
I love going to the chapel in the quiet of the night and spending an hour with Jesus. As soon as I enter I can feel His presence very strongly. The place feels so holy and His presence so palpable. It is like sitting with your most beloved friend. Sometimes I tell him my problems, others I share my joys. I surrender my worries and also my plans for the future. Many times I pray to Jesus for people, but when I'm in this chapel I feel as if I'm praying WITH jesus for the world and for the needs of others. Sometimes I read a spiritual book, pray the rosary, or read the Bible. Most times I just sit, and allow Him to reach and touch my heart. I never allow anything, sickness, snow storms, thunderstorms, etc. to interfere with this precious moment. I'm sure all of this may sound strange and confusing to non Catholics, but it has really made a difference in my spiritual life. Then, I crawl back in bed at 4:45AM and my wife always says, "How was your time with Jesus?"
Technorati Tags: Catholic, Spirituality
I think that it is really an impossible concept to get unless you accept that the Eucharist IS Jesus Christ. So we are sitting at Jesus' feet for that time ... literally. Nothing symbolic. The real deal.
And I have found that is very difficult for Protestants to comprehend. Which is too bad because it is the key, the center to being Catholic. It is the reason the Mass is central to being Catholic. The Eucharist is Jesus. Period.
Posted by: Julie D. | March 08, 2006 at 11:11 PM
This is beautiful Hector. thank you for sharing it :)
We have had some 24/7 prayer weeks and I've loved hauling myself out of bed and praying in the very early morning. Communing with God. Recognising His presence and praying His prayers with Him. It's awesome because He is awesome!
I identify with so much of what you write!
Julie, the truth is that I don't get it. It is NOT that I don't believe that the host is the body of Christ. I do. Many protestants do. It is just that much of our teaching is that God is everywhere and His spirit is in us, so the concept of reserving the host /sacrament and bowing down to that - is outside of my religious experience or practice.
I meant what I wrote in the earlier post. I'm glad - really glad - it works for you. And I'm not putting you or your faith down in any way. I love it. It's simply removed from where I am, as I said my theology is not there. I believe that when we take the Eucharist "we feed on Christ" and it's a terribly important part of my faith.
The fact that people -like Hector - enter the church at 3am to worship God and pray is wonderful. The fact that that church has done this 24/7 for years is awesome and inspiring.
God is blessed :)
Posted by: Lorna | March 09, 2006 at 03:22 AM
Hector, I had a beautiful time with Our Lord in Adoration yesterday, and my Mum, who is protestant, found it immensely rewarding too. Lorna,my suggestion would be to just try it, just sit- and- be with Jesus. The late Pope used to say about Adoration - "He looks at me, and I look at him".
It's as simple and yet as profound as that.
It's something we can't intellectualise, and the grace, whether you are Catholic or not, is there for the taking.
God Bless!
Posted by: ukok | March 09, 2006 at 11:15 AM
I thought this post was beautiful. Something about you crawling out of bed to go pray at 3 am so you can spend an hour with Jesus in prayer and then coming home and having your wife say something as simple as "how was your time with Jesus" like you had just gone to work and she was asking about your day - well, when Jesus is that much a part of your life I jut don't know how you can go wrong.
Two thumbs way up. : )
Posted by: HeyJules | March 09, 2006 at 02:03 PM
Beautiful, absolutely wonderful thoughts about adoration. Thank you.
Posted by: Valerie | March 10, 2006 at 11:47 AM
I remember the first time when i took the Eucharist.I was shocked to feel so happy.It was an amazing feeling.Thank you for the beautiful post Hector.
Posted by: Paula | March 11, 2006 at 03:46 AM