Today’s reflection is from Sr. Ji Choi, a novice with the Sisters of Bon Secours. Inspired by the direction of the Archdiocese, she has organized a weekly time of Eucharistic Adoration in our Chapel, beginning next Monday. Let’s read her to reflection to learn more. We hope to see you soon!
According to Archbishop Lori of Baltimore, the Spring General Assembly of the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops concluded by drafting a pastoral document to affirm the meaning, importance and value of the Eucharist. Archbishop José Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, recently stated “…our desire is to deepen our people’s awareness of this great mystery of faith, and to awaken their amazement at this divine gift, in which we have communion with the living God. That is our pastoral purpose in writing this document.” This renewal of emphasis on the Eucharist invites us to make deeper relationship with Jesus through the blessed sacrament.
What is Eucharistic Adoration?
Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament is a time of worship and praise to the true God in the person of Jesus Christ by “being” in his presence. It is usually done in front of a tabernacle in which Jesus in Eucharist lies. It is to honor Jesus’ heartfelt request to his disciples during his agony in the garden, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch… Could you not keep watch for one hour?” (Mk 14:34, 37) When adoration is done where the Most Blessed Sacrament of Eucharist is exposed, it is called Eucharistic Adoration.
What do I do during Adoration?
- Being present: Simply be in the presence of Jesus.
- Ask for mercy: Call to mind your sins, struggles, or adversities you are going through and ask for merciful help. Great healing and much more grace you need at the time are granted.
- Spiritual Reading: You may read the Sacred Scripture or any other spiritual books asking for a gift of understanding.
- A time for meditation, reflection, and prayer: It is a great way of expressing gratitude, as one of ten lepers came back to Jesus and thanked him for healing (Lk 17:11-19).
Lastly, I would like to share a short story of St. John Vianney. He was amazed that one of his parishioners would spend such long hours in front of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He said to him, “What do you do in adoration?” The man simply responded, “I look at Him and He looks at me.”
Please click here to learn more about the first scheduled time for Eucharistic Adoration, next Monday, July 12.