We Bow Down

Welcome back to the “why do they do that?” series (known as Talking Thursdays) where I attempt to explain why the heck Catholics do some of the things we do. I do the research. You start the talking! Last week we talked about salvation through grace (not faith alone) and this week the topic is:

Adoration

So, what is this whole thing with adoration? Let’s start off with what it is: adoration is when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and people come and “adore” Jesus in the real presence of the Holy Eucharist. Of course, this might not make sense to people who don’t believe in the real presence. But Jesus told us “this is my body . . . do this in memory of me” and we Catholics take that literally when we say that the Eucharist becomes Jesus’ body during the consecration of each Mass.

Adoration is when we go and just be with Jesus.

At college many girls will say they’re going on a date with Jesus. And guys will say it’s their “bro time”.

You know, you can sing and preach all you want, but those activities are not Jesus himself. You sing to Jesus or about him. You preach about him. But there is nothing in the world like adoration where you are actually with Jesus. How insane is that?!?! It makes me realize how much more we Catholics should take advantage of this opportunity. After all, there’s this saying:

Not to mention that the Eucharist is a constant reminder of Jesus’ love for us:

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says in paragraph 2268 that “Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the “King of Glory,” respectful silence in the presence of the “ever greater” God.”

So what do you do in adoration?

• Pray (I know, shocker)
• Stare at Jesus and be amazed at his awesomeness
• Look at him on the alter under the cross and give thanks
• Talk with him: unload whatever is going on in your life, he can take it
• Read the Bible or other spiritual writings

Being in adoration is the most peaceful and content I have ever felt. It’s nice at school because we have a perpetual adoration chapel where Jesus is exposed 24/7 and adoration in one of the student chapels during the week.You know how it doesn’t matter what you do with your friends and the people you love, as long as you are together? That’s kind of like adoration. Just hanging out with Jesus.

Give it a try, won’t you?

Further Reading:

What Catholic Girls Are Like in the Chapel (Funny One!)

No Wonder They Call It the Real Presence: Lives Changed by Christ In Eucharistic Adoration

Eucharistic Adoration: Drawing Closer to Jesus By: Kathleen M. Carroll

A Prayer Book for Eucharistic Adoration

Praying In The Presence Of Our Lord: Prayers For Eucharistic Adoration

Eucharistic Adoration: Reflections in the Franciscan Tradition

 

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