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Visits to the Chapel: My Experience with Eucharistic Adoration


"When you look at the crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now." - Mother Teresa

As Catholics, we believe that the Eucharist truly is Jesus. In Scripture, we see Jesus instituting the Sacrament of the Eucharist: "Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. saying, 'This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me'" (Luke 22:19). There are many other passages which point to the reality of the Sacrament. Next to laying down His life for us, could Jesus have given us a better gift than Himself in the Eucharist? We would find ourselves in a sad state of affairs if we did not have Jesus present to us through the Eucharist. It can be easy for us to forget the reality and sheer gravity of this great gift. Sadly, the Eucharist, one of the greatest gifts ever given to mankind, can be reduced to a mere symbol in most people's minds. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who don't believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist, and believe that it is merely a symbol. In the tabernacles within Catholic churches, Jesus waits for souls, yet they neglect to visit Him.

One way I've grown in my relationship with Jesus Christ is by attending Eucharistic Adoration on a regular basis. For those of you who don't know what Eucharistic Adoration is, it is a special time when a priest or deacon places the Eucharist into a holder called a monstrance, and the monstrance is then placed on top of an altar for the faithful to come and pray in the presence of Christ.

 I really started visiting Jesus regularly after attending a Steubenville Youth Conference one summer. During that same summer, I also volunteered at church and made frequent visits to the chapel to spend time with Jesus. Slowly, I began to grow in my relationship with the Eucharistic Lord.

As I journeyed through high school, I went on other retreats which added fuel to the fire in regards to Adoration. Eventually, I joined a young adult group which was focused on the Eucharist, and we go to Adoration together once almost every week. The Eucharistic spirituality I learned from reading the writings of the group's patron saint, St. Peter Julian Eymard, have truly changed my spiritual life for the better. I've come to see the Eucharist in a new light, and St. Eymard's writings have changed the way in which I see Catholicism and spirituality.

During times where my heart was troubled, I was able to find peace in Jesus's presence in Adoration. For example, there was one time in particular where two people hurt me deeply a few years ago. I went to Adoration and prayed about the situation. With tears in my eyes, I unloaded my heart to Jesus. It was through Eucharistic Adoration that I found peace and consolation in the midst of that troubling time.

Since then, there have been other times where I've experienced peace in Christ's Eucharistic presence. Going to Adoration regularly has helped me to see Jesus as a close friend! I've realized the significance of the Eucharist. Although He has ascended to Heaven after His resurrection, Jesus is still present to us through the Eucharist which He instituted at the Last Supper all those years ago.

In Catholic Churches around the world, Jesus patiently waits for souls He loves to visit Him. How sad is it that Jesus is neglected by so many Catholics? I pray that there is revival of Eucharistic devotion among the Faithful. If only we realized the magnitude of the gift we have received in the Eucharist!

Since I'm in the habit of going to Adoration, I've found myself saddened when I am unable to go. It's such a great blessing and privilege to be able to have one-on-one time with the Lord. I encourage you to incorporate frequent Adoration into your spiritual life!

 I will say that Adoration isn't always easy if you don't go on a regular basis. Your only experience with Adoration may have been at a retreat or youth conference. If you start going to Adoration regularly, you may find the silence of the chapel to be uncomfortable. Chances are that your head will be flooded with distractions when you try to pray. You might also have to deal with other people in the chapel making noise. That guy sitting in the pew in front of you might sneeze, or that lady with kids in the back of the chapel might have to deal with her toddler who suddenly felt the urge to throw hymnals and start screaming!

However, no matter the circumstance, don't give up! Perseverance is key when it comes to prayer. If you let discomfort get in the way of spending time with Jesus, you're hurting your relationship with Him. I believe we can receive many graces by praying to Jesus in Adoration. Perhaps we receive many graces simply from being there. I'm sure He's thrilled that we even thought of visiting Him!

I myself find it incredibly hard to become recollected and focused on prayer when I'm in Adoration. Sometimes it comes naturally, and other times I can barely even stop daydreaming. It takes work to stay in the present moment and be present to the Lord. Honestly, sometimes I don't even feel like being in the Adoration chapel. It can be tempting to want to get up and leave. However, we should still choose to go to Adoration. After all, it's worth it!

If you have never been to Adoration, I encourage you to pay a visit to Jesus. You have nothing to lose. Jesus is waiting for YOU!

Geo




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