One of the activities that many Catholic Christians participate in is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. This is a time of prayer where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed on the altar in a monstrance and people present themselves to pray. Some stay for a few minutes and others for longer times. Many spend time quietly reciting the rosary. But many people have no clear idea what to do in adoration. In his book, Introduction to Prayer, by Bishop Robert Barron the author gives a much needed list of things to do. After all, how can we do what we don’t know what to do?
He writes on page 94, “Once, when he was asked what one is supposed to do exactly in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, (Bishop) Sheen answered: in a way, anything you want! There is no official, formalized way to spend a Holy Hour. You can pray the Liturgy of the Hours or the Rosary; You can read Scripture or spiritual works; you can prepare for teaching or preaching; you can thank God for the blessings in you life; you can bring the petitions of all those who have asked for your prayer; you can bring a pad of paper and a pencil, ready to write down the ideas and inspirations that come. You can even just sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament and do nothing at all, simply basking his presence and undergoing a kind of ‘radiation therapy’.” Wow!
Some people tell me that after a short prayer, they just sit in his presence. It appears that nothing is going on, but it is. Is it not in the quiet presence of someone you love that is most refreshing and relaxing? Sometimes I can be with Mary Jo for a long time, watching her quilt, while I write or read that is wonderful and nurturing. As a young father I often enjoyed just being in the presence of my wife and children, just watching them play that gave me great enjoyment. Perhaps, just being present is the most important thing.
In any case, just showing up, being in God’s presence is important. I wish more people would take advantage of this opportunity to worship God in the Blessed Sacrament. You can participate in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament each Friday between the hours of 9:30 am and 12:30 pm. I like to go to mass at 9:00 am and stay for a while. I also like to be there when the Blessed Sacrament is reposed at 12:30 pm. Whatever you do there, it is worth it and you won’t regret it. Please, come.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
