Posted on April 19, 2024
Catechism Meditation:
Worship of the Eucharist. In the liturgy of the Mass we express our faith in the real presence of Christ under the species of bread and wine by, among other ways, genuflecting or bowing deeply as a sign of adoration of the Lord. “The Catholic Church has always offered and still offers to the sacrament of the Eucharist the cult of adoration, not only during Mass, but also outside of it, reserving the consecrated hosts with the utmost care, exposing them to the solemn veneration of the faithful, and carrying them in procession. ―No. 1378
REFLECTION. The Real Presence is a core Catholic belief. It means Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. Catholics don’t see the blessed sacrament as just a symbol. We believe the Eucharist is the actual Body and Blood of Christ. This doctrine comes from Jesus’ words at the Last Supper. It’s the foundation of our Eucharistic prayer.
Eucharistic Adoration has roots in the early Church. It gained popularity during the Middle Ages. Today, it remains crucial in Catholic worship. Mass and Adoration both focus on the Eucharist, but serve different purposes. Mass is a communal celebration where we receive the Eucharist. Adoration is a silent, contemplative practice. We spend time with the blessed sacrament, often displayed in a monstrance.
Eucharistic processions first became a popular practice in the life of the Church during the celebration of Corpus Christi, traditionally celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday. By processing with the Holy Eucharist in a reverent, prayerful and joyful manner, Catholics can honor Christ in the Eucharist and serve as witnesses to the intimate presence of God in the world and in each individual. Processions powerfully display the Incarnation, or God becoming human, and thus speak of his merciful love for all who journey to eternal life with Him.
PRAYER. O God, forgive my indifference to Your closeness to me in the Eucharist. Let me experience ever more acutely the warmth of Your Eucharistic presence.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“Neither theological knowledge nor social action alone is enough to keep us in love with Christ unless both are proceeded by a personal encounter with Him in Adoration.” ― Venerable Fulton J. Sheen
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