Adoration - Best Kept Secret of the Church?

[cmbergin]

A few months ago, when I was really struggling (Word of Faith to Catholic is quite a jump emotionally), another forum member suggested that I spend a lot of time in front of the Eucharist. I went more out of desperation than anything else. “Lord, I need to see if you’re really here.” That was my attitude. By God’s grace, I felt His presence like never before that evening.

Since then, I’ve made a habit of going weekly for the most part. I learned along the way that I don’t have to pray the whole time, that I can read things and meditate on them in the Presence. The day chapel at the local parish has a small library, and last night, I grabbed a book by Fulton Sheen. I forget the exact title, but he was connecting the Beatitudes to the Last Words and showing how they can relate to each other. I read the first two chapters, and it just … sunk in. I don’t know how else to put it. I left that chapel looking for ways to show mercy, to love my neighbor. Today, my whole way of thinking about people has changed.

I hear Catholics all the time calling the rosary their secret weapon. Folks, I think it’s Adoration. My life has changed more spending an hour a week in front of the Presence for the last few months than it has at any other time for any other reason in all these years. If you don’t make a habit of going, then start! You’re missing out!

 

[po18guy]

I have experienced (minor) miracles before Him. For all who doubt, or are in crisis, go to Him! Let Him speak to the silence of your heart.

 

[tawny]

I really enjoy the solitude of quiet Adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament. It’s my quiet time with God, I’m able to listen for his direction.

 

[MrsAngelala]

I agree. My church is often empty when I’m there adoring, and even though I really like being alone with Jesus, when that thought occurs to me, I take a minute or two to pray that he’ll draw more people to sit with him. It’s too bad it’s such a secret. I’m glad you’re enjoying the Presence so much.

 

[ctb95]

People don’t seem to understand the advantages of praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. So I’d say yes, it is a well kept secret.

At my college, we used to have one time for adoration during the weekend. About 3-4 people would show up. Instead, its now on a week night, and students are encouraged to attend. Now about 15-20 show up. We are slowly trying to build a culture of holiness at my college!

 

[Dorothy]

A few months ago, when I was really struggling (Word of Faith to Catholic is quite a jump emotionally), another forum member suggested that I spend a lot of time in front of the Eucharist. I went more out of desperation than anything else. “Lord, I need to see if you’re really here.” That was my attitude. By God’s grace, I felt His presence like never before that evening.

Since then, I’ve made a habit of going weekly for the most part. I learned along the way that I don’t have to pray the whole time, that I can read things and meditate on them in the Presence. The day chapel at the local parish has a small library, and last night, I grabbed a book by Fulton Sheen. I forget the exact title, but he was connecting the Beatitudes to the Last Words and showing how they can relate to each other. I read the first two chapters, and it just … sunk in. I don’t know how else to put it. I left that chapel looking for ways to show mercy, to love my neighbor. Today, my whole way of thinking about people has changed.

I hear Catholics all the time calling the rosary their secret weapon. Folks, I think it’s Adoration. My life has changed more spending an hour a week in front of the Presence for the last few months than it has at any other time for any other reason in all these years. If you don’t make a habit of going, then start! You’re missing out!

Adoration is special, no doubt about it.

And the Rosary is a secret weapon.

 

[po18guy]

An adoration reflection of Saint Teresa of Calcutta

A Wish of St. Teresa of Calcutta

I worry some of you still have not really met Jesus one-to-one,
you and Jesus alone.
We may spend time in chapel,
but have you seen with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love?
Do you really know the living Jesus,
not from books but from being with Him in your heart?
Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you?
As for the grace: He is longing to give it.
Until you can hear Jesus in the silence of your own heart,
you will not be able to hear Him saying “I thirst” in the hearts of the poor.
Never give up this daily intimate contact with Jesus as the real living person,
not just the idea.
How can we last even one day without hearing Jesus say “I love you”? Impossible.
Our soul needs that as much as the body needs to breathe the air.
If not, prayer is dead, meditation, only thinking.
Jesus wants you each to hear Him speaking in the silence of your heart.
Be careful of all that can block that
personal contact with he living Jesus.
The devil may try to use the hurts of life,
and sometimes our own mistakes,
to make you feel it is impossible that Jesus really loves you,
is really cleaving to you.
This is a danger for all of us.
And so sad, because it is completely the opposite of what Jesus is really wanting,
waiting to tell you.
Not only that He loves you, but even more, He longs for you.
He misses you when you don’t come close. He thirsts for you.
He loves you always, even when you don’t feel worthy.
When not accepted by others, even by yourself sometimes,
He is the one who always accepts you.
Only believe, you are precious to him.
Bring all you are suffering to His feet,
only open your heart to be loved by Him as you are.
He will do the rest.

St. Teresa of Calcutta, 1910-1997