Spend Time in Eucharistic Adoration
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Let's be honest - many of us have never been to Adoration and aren't really sure what it's about, so let's begin with the basics - What is Adoration? Simply put, it is time with Jesus.
Why? As with any relationship, if we are to cultivate it, we need to spend time with that person, getting to know them, their hopes, and their desires. Like you, Jesus has hopes and desires, but they are focused on you. He desires to have a relationship with you. He longs to reveal himself to you in a personal way, but can't if we don't carve out time to spend with him.
What to Expect? Awkward silence! Fr. Mike Schmitz explains what to expect in silence and the beauty that it brings. But like anything else, in order to do Adoration well, it takes practice.
Don't know what to do for a whole hour in the silence? Here are some suggestions:- Read Scripture. A good place to start is the Mass readings for the day. As you read ask yourself how the verses are speaking to your heart. Are there changes in your life that God is asking you to make? If so, ask God how you should go about making those changes.
- Pray the Rosary. Matthew Kelly states in his book Rediscover Catholicism that "One of the practical spiritual benefits of the rosary is its ability to help us grow in virtue." And isn't growing in virtue what we hope to accomplish by spending time with Jesus? There are many apps and guides available online that can guide you through the mysteries and prayers.
- Listen to praise and worship music, specifically Adoration by Matt Maher (below).
- Just sit in silence. Don't worry that your mind is wandering. As Fr. Mike Schmitz points out, Jesus may be showing you yourself and the habits or attitudes he wants to transform in you. Allow Jesus to help you grow in virtue.
Holy Family Parish offers Eucharistic Adoration every Friday morning after 8:00 am Mass. Come for Mass. Stay for Adoration.
Adoration
by
Matt Maher
(sung at the beginning of Eucharistic Adoration and is sometimes in Latin)
