During my adolescence, my best friend and a member
of the senior class died after experiencing an altercation with several youth at
a school dance. This death was overwhelming, extremely devastating to me, and
the senior class. A classmate suggested we meet at a local Protestant Church and
pray for our friend. I attended this prayer meeting. However this prayer meeting
did not console me, I felt something was missing. After attending mass the
following Sunday, I noticed a flyer announcing a forty-hour Eucharistic
Adoration at a local parish. I reread the announcement and decided to attend. As
an active Roman Catholic, I must admit I only attended Eucharistic Adoration
devotions on Good Friday, but then I reflected on Jesus words, "Come to me all
you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will refresh you and give you
peace of soul."
(Mt. 11:28-29). As I entered the church, I noticed
Adoration had started; the Monstrance was on the altar containing the
consecrated host. I kneeled and became very revered focusing on the Monstrance,
on Jesus, Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and I prayed and prayed. I know Jesus
lead me to this church to this Eucharistic Adoration devotion. I know Jesus was
there with me and He answered my prayers. This was the start of attending many,
many Eucharistic Adoration devotions.
As a parishioner, St. Bartholomew's Roman Catholic
Church, in Camden, New Jersey, Eucharistic Adoration is celebrated for one hour
every forth Sunday. I truly look forward to Adoration; I realize I cannot do
without it. This is my time to dedicate myself to personal prayer and reflection
in the Presence of Jesus Christ silently, in prayer or through song. During
Adoration, Jesus calls me to listen, he is inviting me to pray, and to listen is
to pray. "Praying is Listening" (Mark 4:1-20). In order to be aware of what the
Lord is trying to convey to me, I must maintain an attitude of attentive
receptivity. Listening does not merely mean using my sense of hearing; it
involves being wholly attuned to the Lord. It means being available to God.
During Adoration, Jesus is inviting me to listen carefully to what he is
communicating. He wants me to listen not only with my ears, but to listen with
my heart. As I listen to what Jesus is saying to me, I begin to experience a
transformation-taking place within me. Prayer is my relationship to our loving
Father. During Eucharistic Adoration, I reflect on God's creative, caring,
forgiving, healing, and enduring love. As Jesus says, "when you look for me, you
will find me."
Many of us are searching for something to make us
feel better; many are searching for a meaning in a world that is confused,
chaotic, mixed up and sometimes hard to comprehend. When we are feeling
disconsolate or discouraged, peace is a nebulous position, I recommend going to
Adoration, if just for one hour. I am sure you will find that Adoration will be
very inspirational and inspiring.
During Adoration, I pray and I talk to God, and
sometimes I meditate on a verse I feel is very soulful and rousing, "Never would
have made it - I never would have made it without you Lord. I am stronger, and I
am wiser, yes, I know I never would have made it without you." (Marvin Snap)
Adoration is my time and it could be your time to develop a stronger
relationship with our loving Father and put your trust in Him.
We might feel we have an idea of what real peace
feels like, well peace is so sweet if you trust in Jesus, and take Him at his
word. Just to rest upon his promise just to know he cares. I am so glad I
learned to trust Him, my precious Jesus. He is my savior and friend, and I knew
He is with me now and will be with me until my end. It really is a wonderful
thing to be able to put my trust in Him. He surely keeps His word. He is
faithful and wonderful and never stops being amazing. He pours so mush love and
grace into me that it amazes me that I can contain it and not burst with "Jesus
Joy". When I began to thank Him, I cannot thank Him enough.
When I attended the Tenth National Black Catholic
Congress last July, I visited the Adoration Chapel. The Chapel was so peaceful,
very relaxing, very calm and serene. I know
Jesus was with me in the Chapel. I
prayed and as I prayed, I meditated on a Gospel verse I truly love, "One Hour
with the King will change everything, one minute in His Court changed my
thoughts, and yes one hour in His presence changes everything."
My Sister's and Brother's in Christ you should spend
time in Adoration, I am sure the Holy Spirit will fill your heart and rekindle a
fire of divine love. The Eucharistic Adoration I experienced during my
adolescence was a very spiritual, very sacred and a very divine experience and
it still revitalizes me today.
Adoration is a blessing in my life. It changed me
and I am sure Adoration will change you.
Peace and Blessings
To find churches and chapels who have Eucharistic
Adoration in your area, visit the Real Presence Eucharistic Education and
Adoration Association web site:
http://www.therealpresence.org/chap_fr.htm
Real Presence Eucharistic Education and Adoration
Association
7030 West 63rd Street
Chicago, Illinois 60638
Phone: 773-586-2352
Fax: 773-586-7781
Website: www.therealpresence.org
Office Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
8:30am - 3:30pm CST
