Deacon Blog July 24, 2022
Adoration- Part II
It’s a simple equation, really, and one that applies to many elements in our lives. That which we value most, or desire the most, is what gets our attention. Some call it the “Law of Attraction”. It says that the things we focus on manifest themselves in our lives, i.e. negativity/positivity, joy/unhappiness, anger/peace, etc. The other side to this viewpoint is that everything in life is a random set of events. As in wrong place at the wrong time or right place at the right time. I happen to see life as a both/and reality. At the very least, what we control is how we can respond to situations and this drastically effects our happiness. Some things in life can be “manipulated” with positive attitude and desire. I also believe that if it is not working in our lives, WE are to blame. For whatever reason, in my life the times I have struggled to find success were the times I insisted on defining success. I either failed to focus on the goal or I foolishly chose the wrong path. Often, I merely “hoped” it would turn out. I would let self-interests run my choices instead of seeking counsel of the Holy Spirit. Eucharistic Adoration is the exact opposite of my approach. In Adoration, my desires melt away or are absorbed by the quiet whisper of the Divine Presence before me. If for no other reason, I love adoration before the Blessed Sacrament because of the rest it gives the over-active thinking that wears me out.
Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament is an ancient practice first used in the 1st century A.D. Some priests would break a consecrated Host into three pieces, one for themselves and another for other clergy, and the final piece to display while praying and seeking guidance. Eventually this practice would evolve into a community ritual to connect believers to the Savior. For those who sought only what the Father desired, focusing on HIS presence among us in a real and physical way tapped into a spiritual “Law of Attraction”. I would be lying if I told you there’s an immediate effect. For some it is, but for most it’s a spiritual exercise with subtle affects that requires some determination and effort. It depends on the “muscles” we’ve developed to defend ourselves from the pain in our lives. As in the walls we put up to protect our hearts. We all do this, at some level, for survival. Breaking down these walls and “cracking open” the doorway to our hearts to the influence of the Holy Spirit, is the gift Adoration can be in our lives, individually. We don’t have to be aware of these changes. They will occur inspite of our selves.
In many monasteries and convents around the world, Eucharistic Adoration is perpetual, 24 hrs. a day. This means… thousands gather, worldwide, to give praise and ask for LOVE to pour HIMSELF out across the globe. If you believe in the power of prayer (and we all should), imagine our world without this effort to stave off the evil humanity is capable of. And…if you believe in the power of prayer, we should credit these prayers for the beauty and compassion humanity lives out every moment of every day. This is the focus of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
Community is the goal we all strive for. We want to be family. This reflects the very nature of our creation as the children of GOD. We want to be one. Adoration is the manifestation of these desires. Every Thursday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for anyone, anytime. Someone is “assigned” a specific hour just to ensure that HE is never left alone, but anyone can drop by for any length of time, and just sit. Please consider setting aside a few minutes to just clear your head, breathe a little slower and deeper. See why this practice has been around for two thousand years.
Bless You All for all you do. Deacon Mike
PAX CHRISTI
deaconmike@gunnisoncatholic.org