“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.”

-St. Teresa of Calcutta

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The first time I went to Adoration I had no idea what I was supposed to do. I didn’t know what it meant, and I could have prepared myself (but I’m not the best planner). I really needed the Lord, and the post in the weekly bulletin about Adoration kept tugging at me.

I listened to that tug. When I got there, there was one person sitting close to the front of the church, and she turned briefly and gave me an encouraging smile. I settled into a pew in the back, knelt down and started praying.

The Eucharist was exposed in the beautiful monstrance on the altar. I thought of my worries and brought them to Him. I closed my eyes and let my mind rest, and He made Himself present to me. I did not hear an audible voice, or physically see Him, but I heard Him in the quiet of my heart.

I was taught that Jesus becomes the sacred bread from heaven, and I’ve gone to Mass most of my life, but it did not become real for me until I encountered Him in the quiet moments at Adoration; gazing upon Him in the Eucharist on the altar. My life has been transformed since experiencing the love of Jesus in the Eucharist. It is a mystery indeed. There are many times when I don’t have it all together and struggle in my faith and understanding, and in those moments I like to pray the verse from the Gospel of Mark 9:24 “ ‘I believe; help my unbelief!’”

The Lord is always with us in Spirit; in the Eucharist, He is fully present in his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Each week, I receive the Heart of my heart, Soul of my soul - in a humble, little host! Jesus, the One who changed the water into wine at the wedding in Cana, who walked on water, and conquered death for you and me - that is who we receive each week at Mass.

I am praying for our parish and for a deepening conversion of hearts.

Sincerely in Christ,

Anonymous