Question on Adoration

[Servus_Pio_XII]

Given the current the discussion about this topic in Eastern Catholicism, and owing to the fact that most here would seem to be opined positively towards this devotion, I have a question:

What makes Adoration any different from or better than, say, praying before the tabernacle?

Both it and the monstrance are closed containers; the only difference between them is that the monstrance allows the species to be seen. Yet, even on this Aquinas writes:

“Sight, taste and touch are each in thee deceived.”

How, then, does perceiving the accidents convey more graces, or make Christ more present, or effect any other benefit beyond that Real Presence which is already understood by prayer before the Sacrament in the tabernacle?

 

[Lux_et_veritas]

Good question. If you don’t get any answers, ask the Apologists.

 

[Brother_John]

Good question. If you don’t get any answers, ask the Apologists.

Just my opinion, but having the Blessed Sacrement exposed can take you to a higher level of closeness. And that’s just MY opinion, not a statement of fact, dogma, doctrine, or discipline.

 

[BenFischer]

Given the current the discussion about this topic in Eastern Catholicism, and owing to the fact that most here would seem to be opined positively towards this devotion, I have a question:

What makes Adoration any different from or better than, say, praying before the tabernacle?

Both it and the monstrance are closed containers; the only difference between them is that the monstrance allows the species to be seen. Yet, even on this Aquinas writes:

“Sight, taste and touch are each in thee deceived.”

How, then, does perceiving the accidents convey more graces, or make Christ more present, or effect any other benefit beyond that Real Presence which is already understood by prayer before the Sacrament in the tabernacle?

I remember seeing Fr. John Trigillio on EWTN’s Web of Faith say that all of the old indulgences for praying before the Blessed Sacrament had been extended to praying before the tabernacle (ie, the Host is not exposed). If I remembered that correctly, then I’d say that either is fine.

It’s human to rely on our senses, and seeing the Blessed Sacrament in the monstrance, I think, elevates the soul. The classic church architecture used art, stained glass and statues to inspire the congregation. See our Lord in the Host should do no less.

 

[Miserissima]

How, then, does perceiving the accidents convey more graces, or make Christ more present, or effect any other benefit beyond that Real Presence which is already understood by prayer before the Sacrament in the tabernacle?

**
I think that Adoration is more “formal” in the sense that it’s usually followed by a benediction before the Sacrament is placed in repose.

While the Eucharist is in the tabernacle, I believe it’s a more “personal” experience in feeling/understanding the oxymoron between our closeness to Christ (in the Eucharist) and the separation of physical selves while Christ is in IN the tabernacle. There is more of a longing to SEE christ and to experience his love, which is more humble when we visit the Sacrament while it is in repose. “Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet believed…”

But again, that’s just an opinion.