The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the ‘King of Glory’, respectful silence in the presence of the ‘ever greater’ God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and give assurance to our supplications.” (CCC 2628)
According to the media outlet, “Catholic-Link”, “when Catholics say they are ‘going to adoration’, they are typically referring to Eucharistic Adoration. Which, in the most basic terms, is the worship of the Eucharist outside of the Mass. The Eucharistic Host is displayed in a monstrance on the altar so that all can see and pray in the presence of Christ.”
Eucharistic Adoration at Saint Brigid, which takes place primarily in our Day Chapel, drives the spiritual vitality of our parish. An invitation to be a “Eucharistic Guardian” is presented in our parish bulletin on a regular basis. It states, “Please prayerfully consider saying YES to spending just one hour of your week with Jesus, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.” One parishioner described his hour spent each week in Eucharistic Adoration as “the best hour of my week.”
Author and psychologist, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, as reported in the publication, “Our Sunday Visitor,” stated that there are “four kinds of prayer most appropriate in the presence of the Eucharist, namely adoration and praise, Thanksgiving, >repentance, and trusting intercession.”
He offered the following eight options of activities during Eucharistic Adoration:
“Pray the psalms or the Liturgy of the Hours.”
They contain pearls of wisdom for us to consider.
“Recite the ‘Jesus Prayer”.
Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner.” It reminds us that the Lord came to call sinners, not the self-righteous.
“Meditate using Scripture.” The gospels especially provide us with great insight into Our Lord’s ministry, message, and mission.
“Read the life of a saint and pray with him or her.”
We can learn about our great saints who set such a good example for us to follow.
“Pour out your heart to Christ and adore Him.”
Let Him hear about your struggles and crosses at this time in your life.
“Ask for forgiveness and intercede for others.”
We all need the pardon, mercy, and forgiveness that the Lord so generously offers to us.
“Pray the rosary.”
Mother Teresa urged us to pray to Jesus “with Mary.”
“Sit quietly and ‘be’ in the presence of God.”
We can permit the Lord to speak to us in the silence of our hearts.
As we reflect on these recommendations of Fr. Groeschel, we are strongly encouraged to spend one hour each week as a Eucharistic Guardian, adoring the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist. This time can enhance our spiritual well-being in many special ways.