Adoration

What is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is the sacrament in which Christ is really and truly present under the appearances of bread and wine. Other names for the Eucharist are Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, our daily bread, the most blessed sacrament, the sacrifice of praise, and agape. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.  The Eucharist so important, it is considered the center of the life of the particular Church (CCC 893).  All the other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it (CCC 1324).  In Catholic churches and chapels, the Eucharist is reserved in a secure metal receptacle called a Tabernacle.  The dignity, placing, and security of the Eucharistic tabernacle fosters our adoration before the Lord, who is really present there (CCC 1183).  The essential signs of the Eucharistic sacrament are wheat bread and grape wine (CCC 1412).

What is Eucharistic Adoration?
During Eucharistic Adoration, the Body of Christ, under the appearance of bread is placed in a monstrance and on the altar, so that Christ’s faithful may give veneration and adoration.  Christ’s sacrifice present on the altar makes it possible for all generations of Christians to be united with his offering (CCC 1368).  Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator (Cf. CCC 2628).  When we pray to the Lord God, we adore and glorify him together with the Son and the Holy Spirit (CCC 2789).  It is important to remember that when we worship God, we are set free from turning in on ourselves, from the slavery of sin, and from the idolatry of the world (CCC, 2097).
 
Why should we participate in Eucharistic Adoration?
Because Jesus desires it.  Jesus, in his Discourse on the Eucharistic, said “Indeed this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son and believes in Him, shall have everlasting life. Him I will raise up on the last day” (Jn 6.40).  Many people who commit to weekly adoration, have come to experience abundant graces and blessings I their lives.
 
Twelve Biblical Reasons for Desiring to Spend One Hour Before the Blessed Sacrament
 
1. The Lord Jesus Christ is truly present.
“I myself am the living bread come down from heaven.” (Jn 6:35)
 
2. Day and night Jesus dwells in the Blessed Sacrament because of his Infinite love for us.
“Behold I will be with you always even to the end of the world.”  “Because I have loved you with an everlasting love, and constant is my affection for you.” (Mt 28:20; Jer 31:3)
 
3. The specific way that Jesus asks us to love him in return is to spend one quiet hour with him in the Blessed Sacrament.
“Where your treasure is, there is your heart.”  “Could you not watch one hour with me?” (Mt 6:21; 26:40)
 
4. When we gaze upon the Sacred Host, we gaze upon Jesus the Son of God.
“Indeed, this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks upon the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life. Him I will raise up on the last day.” (Jn 6:40)
 
5. Each moment we spend in His Eucharistic Presence increases his divine life within us and deepens our personal relationship and friendship with him.
“I have come that you may have life, and have it more abundantly.  I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him shall bear much fruit because without me, you can do nothing.” (Jn 15:5)
 
6. Each hour we spend with Jesus deepens his divine peace in our hearts.
“Come to me all of you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you.”  “Cast all of your anxieties upon the one who cares for you.”  “My Peace is My gift to you.” (Mt 11 :28; Pt 5:7; Jn 14:17)
 
7. Jesus gives us all the graces we need to be happy.
“The Lamb on the throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water.” (Rev 7:17)
 
8. Jesus is infinitely deserving of our unceasing thanksgiving and adoration for all he has done for our salvation.
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive honor, glory and praise.” (Rev 5:12)
 
9. For peace in our country.
“When my people humble themselves and seek my presence ... I will revive their land.” (2Chr 7:14)
 
10. Each hour we spend with Jesus on earth leaves our soul everlastingly more beautiful and glorious in heaven.
“They who humble themselves shall be exalted.” “All of us, gazing on the Lord’s glory with unveiled faces, are being transformed from glory to glory into his very image.” (Lk. 18:14; 2Cor 3:18)
 
11. Jesus blesses us, our families, and the whole world, for the hour of faith we spend with Him in the Blessed Sacrament.
“Blessed are they who do not see and yet believe.” “Faith can move mountains.” “What is needed is trust.” “Behold I come to make all things new.” (Jn 20:29; Mk 11:23; Mk 5:36; Rev 21 :5)
 
12. Each moment we spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament brings joy, pleasure, and delight to his Sacred Heart.
“My joy, my pleasure, my delight is to be with you.” (Prov 8:31)