Exposition versus Tabernacle

[Elzee]

Can someone explain to me why it’s preferable to have Eucharistic Adoration (exposition) as opposed to praying before the Tabernacle (if it is…)? I attend Adoration once a week in a different parish because ours does not have it. I got to thinking last night…is this preferable to going to my own parish and praying before the Tabernacle? I personally prefer it, but is there a theological reason?

 

[Seminarian_Matt_1]

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is a form of worship of Christ Jesus. We also at the end do what is called Benediction when the priest will incense the monstrance (usually in the beginning too with the latin chants)

Theological reasons I do not believe there are any specific ones in regards to why this is done but many people like to adore Christ by physically seeing him in the Monstrance. Adoration and Benediction are also beautiful forms of worship and prayer especially when the priest lifts the monstrance in the person of Christ and makes the sign of the cross as the people bless themselves…Would be hard to do with the tabernacle.

In Christ,

Matthew

P.S-Some people don’t mind just worshiping at the tabernacle. technically, Jesus is as present there as he is when we can physically see him in the Monstrance so preferences of worship are fine but I tend to (not just because I am seminarian) like the worship and incense and benediction of Adoration with the exposed Christ Jesus.

 

[paperwight]

Yes, but that’s just it - we DON’T see Christ physically. We see the accidents, we don’t see Christ.

Remember the hymns of St. Thomas Aquinas? And St. Alphonsus? ‘O Godhead hid’? ‘Sight, touch and taste in Thee are each deceived’?

I had a bit of discussion with our parish priest on just that point. He was installing a spotlight in the church ceiling because people had complained that they couldn’t see the monstrance clearly during Exposition. Why would they want to see the monstrance clearly - or rather, in what way was the dimness of the church affecting their adoration of the Blessed Sacrament? How was it important that the monstrance be spotlit?

He is there whether behind the Tabernacle door or in the luna. Are we saying that a door can confine His power? Are we saying that our prayers are somehow impeded by the Tabernacle door?

Believing that what they see with their eyes is a more real Christ than what they see by faith seems a failure to understand the whole point and mystery of the Real Presence.

 

[jpjd]

Believing that what they see with their eyes is a more real Christ than what they see by faith seems a failure to understand the whole point and mystery of the Real Presence.

That is not what is going on at Adoration with Exposition.

Are we saying that a door can confine His power? Are we saying that our prayers are somehow impeded by the Tabernacle door?

I don’t know why you find it disdainful that people want to see the Eucharist. Of course the tabernacle door does not confine Christ’s power or impede our prayers.

…we DON’T see Christ physically. We see the accidents, we don’t see Christ.

And that’s exactly the point. To see the Eucharist in the monstrance is a breathtaking witness of the power of God, that Christ is present in substance although in the appearance of bread. I often meditate on just that when I am at Adoration with Exposition. To gaze at Him in love and worship and He gaze at me in love and mercy is a powerful and intimate experience.