It is interesting to note that when I was a child the mass and most liturgies were in Latin. While few people in attendance knew what was being said there were other things about it that were appealing. I remember seeing many people, including my parents who silently prayed the rosary during mass. While they understood mostly what was going on, they were present in their own way, with out the participation we have today in the English language. We sang songs in Latin, tried to focus on what was happening at the altar, went to communion and confession. I remember being absolved from my sin with the priest saying the words in Latin. Consecration was in Latin. There was a certain peacefulness to being in church with statues, stained glass windows, incense, candles, silence, genuflecting, and knowing that none of that would change. It was restful and relaxing. We knew that God was truly present, He was felt, even though not understood. Is it any wonder that churches that have returned to Latin are growing?
These are all reasons that I like to go to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration is a time when I don’t have to participate with liturgical activity. There is no agenda, little music, and a lot of silent time. One person asked, “What do you do at adoration? It’s boring.” The simple answer is, “I spend time with Jesus, and Jesus spends time with me. I am present to him, and he is present to me.” Like in the Latin mass, I sometimes pray the rosary. Sometimes I read the readings from the Bible or some other spiritual readings. I like to read the songs from the hymnal. I sometimes write these articles. Sometimes I tell Jesus what’s bothering me and ask for his help. There are no limits on what one can do as long as it is not disturbing to anyone else. There have been a couple of times that I fell asleep. Mostly, I just enjoy being in the presence of Jesus in Eucharist.
Adoration is a time where I don’t think much about my worries, plans, or memories both good and bad. I take a break from all the worldly cares, clear my mind, and find rest and relaxation in the Lord. The words from an old hymn come to mind, “And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tell me I am his own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” In today’s world it is good to have such a thing as Adoration.
Everyone is invited to come to mass on Fridays at 9:00 am. Then, about 9:30 am, Adoration begins with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and a brief prayer. Some people stay for a while, but all morning long people periodically come in for a time of adoration. Then at 12:30 pm a few prayers are said, and the Host is reposed to the tabernacle while a brief hymn is sung. All are invited.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
