November 26, 2023
During my time in seminary formation, I had the privilege of serving with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Baltimore. Their dedication to serving the poorest of the poor always moved me deeply, and I remember asking them how they found the strength to give of themselves so radically and completely, day-in and day-out.
One Sister simply pointed toward their chapel, where the Blessed Sacrament was exposed on the altar for a period of Adoration and said in response: “Him. We spend time with Jesus before we do anything else.”
This week throughout the Diocese of Wilmington, each parish – including our own – will offer times for us to adore our Lord in the Eucharist. Outside of the Mass itself, there is no better way to deepen our union with God and find the answers and healing we seek along life’s journey.
Of course, the question usually arises: “What do I do when I go to Adoration?” Understandably, the silence and lack of structured formal prayer can be somewhat unsettling the first few times we go. (It was for me.) Yet, here’s what I found helps: Bring Scripture and meditate on a passage or two; try praying the Rosary for your loved ones’ intentions; sit before Him and just have an honest heart-to-Heart conversation; or close your eyes and rest. Our time before the Blessed Sacrament can be as unique as we are and exactly what we need in that moment.
As Advent begins next Sunday along with the busy season of Christmas preparation, give yourself the gift of time before our Lord in Adoration. Mother Teresa herself once said: “The time you spend with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the best time you will send on earth … when you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you.”