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| Deacon Robert | Saturday, 19. January 2008, 20:49 |
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I received this from a Deacon friend and thought it might add to the discussion: The phenomenal growth of devotion to the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist has puzzled not a few sincere people. Nocturnal Adoration societies, Perpetual Adoration groups, national associations of the faithful promoting organized visits to the Blessed Sacrament, Holy Hours before the tabernacle, monthly, weekly and even daily exposition of the Eucharist in churches and chapels, in one country after another, have become commonplace. Belief in the real, physical presence of Christ in the Eucharist grew out of the teaching of the evangelists and St. Paul. They made it plain to the apostolic Church that the Eucharistic elements were literally Jesus Christ continuing His saving mission among men. The Council of Trent declared that Christ should be worshiped now in the Eucharist no less than He had been in first century Palestine. Why? Because in the Blessed Sacrament "it is the same God Whom the apostles adored in Galilee" (<Decree on the Holy Eucharist>, chapter 5). The adorableness of the Eucharistic Christ, therefore, is an article of the Catholic faith. What has become increasingly clear, however, is that Christ in the Eucharist is not only adorable but entreatable. He is not only to be adored, like Thomas did, by addressing Him as, "My Lord and my God." He is also to be asked for what we need, like the blind man who begged, "Lord, that I may see," or approached like the woman who said to herself, "If I can even touch His clothes, I shall be well again." By now countless believers have begged the Savior in the Eucharist for what they needed, and have come close to Him in the tabernacle or on the altar. Their resulting experience has profoundly deepened the Church's realization of how literally Christ spoke when He promised to be with us until the end of time. The experience has been mainly spiritual: In giving light to the mind and strength to the will, in providing graces for oneself and others, in enabling weak human nature to suffer superhuman trials, in giving ordinary people supernatural power to accomplish extraordinary deeds. Paul VI adds the final touch to his teaching. No doubt the living Savior in the Blessed Sacrament is there "full of grace and truth." But there must be a responsive faith on our part. Anyone who approaches this august Sacrament with special devotion, and endeavors to return generous love for Christ's own infinite love, will experience and fully understand--not without spiritual joy and fruit--how precious is the life hidden with Christ in God, and how great is the value of converse with Christ. For there is nothing more consoling on earth, nothing more efficacious for advancing along the road of holiness (VI). The important word in that last sentence is "efficacious." Provided we approach the Real Presence with believing love, Christ will perform wonders of His grace in our lives. TOP TEN REASONS FOR WANTED TO SPEND ONE HOUR WITH JESUS IN THE BLESSED SACRAMENT 10) Your hour with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament will repair for evils of the world and bring about peace on earth. "Let us be generous with our time in going to meet Jesus and ready to make reparation for the great evils of the world. Let your adoration never cease." (Pope John Paul II, Dominicai Cenae) 9) Each hour you spend with Jesus will deepen His Divine Peace in your heart. "Come to Me all of you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you..." "Cast all of you anxieties upon the One who cares for you..." "My Peace is My Gift to you." (Mt 11:28; 5:7; Jn 14:17) 8) You grow spiritually with each moment you spend with Jesus! "Our essential commitment in life is to preserve and advance constantly in Eucharistic life and Eucharistic piety and to grow spiritually in the climate of the Holy Eucharist." (Pope John Paul II, Redeemer of Man) 7) 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) 6) With transforming mercy, Jesus makes our heart one with His. "He proposes His own example to those who come to Him, that all may learn to be like Himself, gentle and humble of heart, and to seek not their own interest but those of God." (Pope Paul VI, Mysterium Fidei) 5) For Peace in our country! "When My people humble themselves and seek My Presence... I will revive their land." (2Chr 7:14) 4) Each moment that you spend in His Eucharistic Presence will increase His Divine Life within you and deepen your 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) 3) When you look upon the Sacred Host, you look 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) 2) The specific way that Jesus asks you 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) 1) He is really there! "I myself Am the Living Bread come down from Heaven." (Jn 6:35) |
| Dcn Robert | |
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| Eucharistic Adoration, · The Mass , Liturgy, Sacraments, Priesthood | |
3:30 PM Nov 24