Eucharistic Adoration?

[spockrates]

Another question:

Should one first go to confession before going to an Adoration Chapel? I’m reminded of our first Pope’s words when he met Jesus for the first time:

“Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

(Luke 5:8)

 

[Nowhere_Man]

Nowhere Man (love your user name!):

Do you know if the decision to start Eucharistic Adoration was merely a reactionary one, or was there also some revelation of God given to a Pope, or a Church Council, or something?

It began with monks and hermits who would request from their Dioceses to reserve the Blessed Sacrament in their Monasteries during the 40 Hours between Holy Thursday evening and the Easter Vigil. This devotion then progressed into the Eucharistic Adoration we have now, which was formally declared at the Council of Trent on October 11, 1551 by Pope Julius III:

*“The only-begotten Son of God is to be adored in the Holy
Sacrament of the Eucharist with the worship of , including
external worship. The Sacrament, therefore, is to be honored with
extraordinary festive celebrations (and) solemnly carried from place
to place in processions according to the praiseworthy universal rite
and custom of the holy Church. The Sacrament is to be publicly
exposed for the people’s adoration.” *

So, I believe it was a combination of organic development and then became widespread as a reaction to the Protestant Reformers.

 

[curlycool89]

Another question:

Should one first go to confession before going to an Adoration Chapel? I’m reminded of our first Pope’s words when he met Jesus for the first time:

“Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

(Luke 5:8)

Before receiving the Eucharist? Yes. Before adoration? If you want to then sure, but there’s no requirement I don’t believe.

I believe that Peter was just showing utmost respect for Jesus. Like even when we are in a state of grace, observed the fast and all we still say before receiving the Eucharist “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you”. I’d say it’s the same idea.

 

[lutherlic]

Another question:

Should one first go to confession before going to an Adoration Chapel? I’m reminded of our first Pope’s words when he met Jesus for the first time:

“Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!”

(Luke 5:8)

Not per se. If one is not in a state of grace then by all means go to confession as soon as possible, regardless if they plan to go to Adoration or not.

Unlike receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion, you do not have to be in a state of grace to go to Adoration. You do not even have to be Catholic. Those in RCIA (for example) might wish to do this as might the OP. I don’t see a point however if one does not accept the real presence of Our Lord in the Eucharist. If going and unsure, just be very respectful (and quiet).

 

[lutherlic]

Our parish has a perpetual adoration chapel adjoining the main church. The Eucharist is exposed (in a gold vessel called a monstrance) 24 / 7 except for Sunday mornings when the chapel is used as a cry room for the Sunday Mass.

If a parish is doing perpetual adoration, we do not leave Jesus alone. So someone is assigned an hour a week. That means you need at least 168 people (24 x 7) willing to be there at an assigned hour. If you can’t make it you get a substitute, or the person already there waits until someone else comes in.

What do people do while they are there? Pray–in any form they wish. Just sit and talk to Jesus, silently (or aloud if you are alone), kneel, sit, meditate, pray a rosary or a novena or free form prayer.

We have an adoration chapel but adoration is not perpetual. It is available after the Wednesday evening Mass until the Saturday morning Mass.

I think we have 2 Adoration Guardians assigned each hour to insure someone is always there. Others are welcome, of course, as well.

 

[Ave_Maria_1]

Yes, many protestants will say ‘the wafer’ and they mean no disrespect but the whole idea is foreign to them and perhaps they heard this term somewhere. We Catholics might say The Blessed Sacrament or The Host.

Yes, Fr. Hardon’s small book on *The History of Eucharistic Adoration * is an excellent and short history. Fr. Hardon also wrote With Us Today that I would also recommend. Fr. Grouschel has a book on the history, theology and psychology of Eucharistic Adoration called In the Presence of Our Lord and it is quite worth the read. Also interesting is Joan Carroll Cruz’s book Eucharistic Miracles with the Hosts from the Miracle of Lanciano still in evidence 1300 years later. And I like all the whole Eucharistic Library from St. Peter Julian Eymard beginning with The Real Presence.

I am fortunate in that I can attend daily Mass and I spend time in adoration either before or after Mass. I fell in love with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament some 15 years ago. My time with Him in adoration is some of the most cherished time in my life.

Many times I ‘feel’ nothing but then there are times when His Presence seems so strong, it is palpable. Amazing.

We used to have a protestant come to adoration and he would come and sometimes just tremble in the Presence of Our Lord and he could not understand why.

And for me to go to a church with no tabernacle, well it seems so empty without the Blessed Sacrament there–just a building even though there is a spiritual presence among those who gather in Jesus’ name. It just is not the same as coming into a Catholic Church and seeing that vigil light and tabernacle and knowing that Our Lord is physically present.

As I mentioned, I try to spend time with HIM every day.

 

[spockrates]

It began with monks and hermits who would request from their Dioceses to reserve the Blessed Sacrament in their Monasteries during the 40 Hours between Holy Thursday evening and the Easter Vigil. This devotion then progressed into the Eucharistic Adoration we have now, which was formally declared at the Council of Trent on October 11, 1551 by Pope Julius III:

*“The only-begotten Son of God is to be adored in the Holy
Sacrament of the Eucharist with the worship of , including
external worship. The Sacrament, therefore, is to be honored with
extraordinary festive celebrations (and) solemnly carried from place
to place in processions according to the praiseworthy universal rite
and custom of the holy Church. The Sacrament is to be publicly
exposed for the people’s adoration.” *

So, I believe it was a combination of organic development and then became widespread as a reaction to the Protestant Reformers.

Thank you, Nowhere Man! Your knowledge of Church history is appreciated. And your thoughtful answer makes you worthy of your user name.



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[spockrates]

Before receiving the Eucharist? Yes. Before adoration? If you want to then sure, but there’s no requirement I don’t believe.

I believe that Peter was just showing utmost respect for Jesus. Like even when we are in a state of grace, observed the fast and all we still say before receiving the Eucharist “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you”. I’d say it’s the same idea.

Thanks!

 

[Adonia]

One of the most beautiful aspects of the Eucharistic Adoration time was described by the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in his autobiography called " Treasure in Clay". "I resolved also to spend a continuous Holy Hour every day in the presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament…The purpose of the Holy Hour is to encourage a deep personal encounter with Christ. The holy and glorious God is constantly inviting us to come to Him, to ask for such things as we need and to experience what a blessing there is in fellowship with Him… Sitting before the Presence is like a body exposing itself before the sun to absorb it’s rays. Silence in the Hour is a tete-a-tete with the Lord. In those moments one does not so much pour out written prayers, but listening takes it’s place. We do not say: “Listen Lord, for thy servant speaks,” but “Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.”

 

[spockrates]

One of the most beautiful aspects of the Eucharistic Adoration time was described by the late Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen in his autobiography called " Treasure in Clay". "I resolved also to spend a continuous Holy Hour every day in the presence of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament…The purpose of the Holy Hour is to encourage a deep personal encounter with Christ. The holy and glorious God is constantly inviting us to come to Him, to ask for such things as we need and to experience what a blessing there is in fellowship with Him… Sitting before the Presence is like a body exposing itself before the sun to absorb it’s rays. Silence in the Hour is a tete-a-tete with the Lord. In those moments one does not so much pour out written prayers, but listening takes it’s place. We do not say: “Listen Lord, for thy servant speaks,” but “Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.”

Good thoughts, those!

 

[Nowhere_Man]

Thank you, Nowhere Man! Your knowledge of Church history is appreciated. And your thoughtful answer makes you worthy of your user name.



http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_VcP6oc1ii...s/s400/mr+nowhere+man+Jeremy+Hillary+Boob.jpg

Why thank you.
I try my best.

 

[ATL_Granny]

Jasev and Spokrates:

You may want to check out this website which gives a tremendous amount of background on the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament as well as the Eucharistic Miracles which have taken place over the centuries. It’s quite fascinating! therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/a3.html

There is a section which discusses worshipping the Holy Eucharist outside of Mass in adoration here: therealpresence.org/eucharst/pea/a2.html

That page has many linked articles, including one by Fr. Hardon which says (in part) “The worship and custody of the Holy Eucharist, independently of Mass and Holy Communion, can be traced to post-apostolic times. St. Justin, writing in his Apology around the year 150, says that deacons were appointed to carry the Blessed Sacrament to those who were absent from the liturgy. The young St. Tarsisius was taken captive and put to death while carrying the consecrated Species on his person.”

Christ coming down to be with us in the form of bread and wine is probably the most divisive issue between Catholics and non-Catholics. We fully believe that Christ is present – His Body, His Blood, His Soul and even His Divinity – in that little piece of bread. For so many, that is unfathomable. Hopefully if you take time to peruse places like the website above and read about some of the incredible miracles which have occurred throughout the centuries, you will come to understand why we Catholics can be so protective of Our Lord when we believe He is being disrespected when referred to as a “wafer.”

For me, any doubt that Jesus is truly present were eradicated once I saw how lovingly He made his presence known to people who had profound doubts.

 

[spockrates]

Jasev and Spokrates:

You may want to check out this website which gives a tremendous amount of background on the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament as well as the Eucharistic Miracles which have taken place over the centuries. It’s quite fascinating! therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/a3.html

There is a section which discusses worshipping the Holy Eucharist outside of Mass in adoration here: therealpresence.org/eucharst/pea/a2.html

That page has many linked articles, including one by Fr. Hardon which says (in part) “The worship and custody of the Holy Eucharist, independently of Mass and Holy Communion, can be traced to post-apostolic times. St. Justin, writing in his Apology around the year 150, says that deacons were appointed to carry the Blessed Sacrament to those who were absent from the liturgy. The young St. Tarsisius was taken captive and put to death while carrying the consecrated Species on his person.”

Thank you.

Christ coming down to be with us in the form of bread and wine is probably the most divisive issue between Catholics and non-Catholics. We fully believe that Christ is present – His Body, His Blood, His Soul and even His Divinity – in that little piece of bread. For so many, that is unfathomable. Hopefully if you take time to peruse places like the website above and read about some of the incredible miracles which have occurred throughout the centuries, you will come to understand why we Catholics can be so protective of Our Lord when we believe He is being disrespected when referred to as a “wafer.”

For me, any doubt that Jesus is truly present were eradicated once I saw how lovingly He made his presence known to people who had profound doubts.

Yes, I believe it is perhaps the dividing line between Catholics and Protestants such as Evangelicals.

 

[jasev]

I want to thank you all again for your answers and for the links for further research/exploration. I especially want to thank those for their charitable responses in spite of my apparently uncharitable way in phrasing my initial questions. Again, sorry about that… really did not mean any offense.

ATL Granny, you said: “Christ coming down to be with us in the form of bread and wine is probably the most divisive issue between Catholics and non-Catholics.”

Well, for some non-Catholic groups it might be pretty high on the list, but probably not the dividing line itself. Lutherans, for example, I think would agree 100% with your statement that Christ comes “down to be with us in the form of bread and wine.” Orthodox could agree with that as well. I think both stop short of defining that how this happens must be understood by the philosophical term “transubstantiation” and I think neither practice adoration either.

The dividing line for most protestants would likely be the understanding of Justification and the economic approach to salvation. In any case, discussing that in this thread would be off topic.

Thank you all again for the comments.

 

[skeyes]

jasev, I invite you to take a few minutes and enter an Adoration Chapel. You don’t have to prepare, you don’t have to say anything, just take the time. Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament, is a huge reason for me being Catholic. I have witnessed miracles during Eucharistic Adoration. Jesus is calling us all from the Blessed Sacrament. Perhaps you asking about it is your first response to His call to come Home.

In Christ,
Stan

 

[flewen]

hello guys, just wanna thank about the thread that I made a month ago with regards to the hitchens/fry vs. Catholic debate. I learned a lot from it.

But anyway, just want to ask, in relation to this thread with regards to the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Protestants/Evangelicals argue that it is false to believe in that, and one of the verses that they always share to us is in the accounts on Mark 13:21 here I quote:

21 And then if any man shall say to you: **Lo, here is Christ. Lo, he is here: do not believe. **

22 For there will rise up false Christs and false prophets: and they shall show signs and wonders, to seduce (if it were possible) even the elect.

23 Take you heed therefore: behold, I have foretold you all things.

This is a bit confusing to me, how will I be able to defend the teachings of the Catholic Church on Transubstantiation if they also have this proof as their disagreement to our belief on it.

 

[flewen]

I hope someonw could help me:

thanks,

flewen

 

[ATL_Granny]

hello guys, just wanna thank about the thread that I made a month ago with regards to the hitchens/fry vs. Catholic debate. I learned a lot from it.

But anyway, just want to ask, in relation to this thread with regards to the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Protestants/Evangelicals argue that it is false to believe in that, and one of the verses that they always share to us is in the accounts on Mark 13:21 here I quote:

This is a bit confusing to me, how will I be able to defend the teachings of the Catholic Church on Transubstantiation if they also have this proof as their disagreement to our belief on it.

flewen: That passage speaks to receiving false prophets who proclaim to be Jesus. You will often find that an argument will ensue based on one passage taken out of context. That is a good example.

So many times there is a disconnect in thinking things through, instead simply spouting Bible verses at each other.

With regards to the Eucharist, I like to start here:

When Moses took the Israelites out of Egypt and they were safely in the desert, they began to grumble, questioning why God would take them from relative safety to the middle of the desert where there was no food or water. God provided Manna for them. Each day.

Both Protestants and Catholics would agree that God fed his people daily through the miracle of the Manna. Right?

Let’s now go to John, Chapter Six. Verse 27 Jesus says: “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” In verse 30 the people ask: “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors ate manna in the wilderness; as it is written. ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

Jesus replies in verse 32: “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

From that verse until verse 59 Jesus goes on to explain in very clear detail that He is the Bread of Life and that whoever eats that bread will live forever. Four different times he reiterates this message. People understand clearly that He is saying the word “chew” or “gnaw” and many walk away. He doesn’t call them back, saying that they misunderstood. No, he actually turns to his Apostles and asks them if they want to leave, too.

This passage in John is what Catholics call The Eucharistic Discourse. I need to leave for Mass or I’d retype the entire passage, but you can read it for yourself.

 

[Holly3278]

Jasev, I would kindly implore you to immediately cease referring to my Lord as “the wafer”. That is extremely offensive and rude. You may not have realized this though so I will not pass judgment upon you. However, in the future, consider yourself warned and if you continue to do this in the future, I can assure you that I will report your posts. Please instead refer to my Eucharistic Lord as: the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament, or the (sacred) host in the future. Surely referring to Him simply as “the host” would not be offensive to you.

 

[jasev]

Jasev, I would kindly implore you to immediately cease referring to my Lord as “the wafer”. That is extremely offensive and rude. You may not have realized this though so I will not pass judgment upon you. However, in the future, consider yourself warned and if you continue to do this in the future, I can assure you that I will report your posts. Please instead refer to my Eucharistic Lord as: the Eucharist, the Blessed Sacrament, or the (sacred) host in the future. Surely referring to Him simply as “the host” would not be offensive to you.

Hi Holly,

I’m guessing you have not read this thread all of the way through. I have apologized for this a number of times on this thread already. Again - a complete blunder on my part, I get that now. It was in no way intended to be offensive. Apologies, again. If I were able to go back and edit the OP to correct the language, I would!

Honestly though, it is from Roman Catholics that I’ve heard the term “wafer.” Obviously they did not know better… but how was I supposed to know they did not? Even on sites like Wikipedia the sacramental bread under the heading of the Catholic Church is called a “round unleavened wafer.” en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communion_wafer . Can one of you please go to Wikipedia and correct this before another unassuming non-Catholic mis-uses this word? Or, at least put in a word of caution as to the kind of reaction this will cause when referring to the sacrament as a “wafer”??

People, please don’t get me wrong - I’m not at all trying to justify this terminology, in fact, I’ve been quite apologetic for the offense. I’m simply pointing out that before jumping all over someone for not using the correct terminology please recognize that they are probably just confused not being a jerk on purpose.