As I write this reflection, nearly 120 people have died in the tragic flooding in Texas; 160 are still unaccounted for. Unbelievably horrible. We need to pray hard for these victims, many of whom were children, and their loved ones.
Speaking of PRAYER, each Tuesday evening we have Eucharistic Adoration from 6:00 until 7:30 pm. Praying before the exposed Blessed Sacrament had been a part of our Catholic prayer since the time of St. Francis of Assisi. Our churches have “reserved” the consecrated hosts in the Tabernacle, from the celebration of the Eucharist, since around the 5th century.
Actually, in the first centuries of the church, the faithful would carry the Blessed Sacrament home with them for the sick who were homebound, before we had churches and tabernacles. It is thought that people used to keep the consecrated hosts in their homes before church buildings were constructed. It was only when Christianity became accepted by the Empire after the conversion of the Emperor Constantine, that separate buildings of worship began to be constructed. This is the fourth century before the collapse of the Roman Empire giving birth to the Holy Roman Empire, the Church and her leaders, particularly the Pope, having the authority and power to “rule.” A sad time for Christianity. History lesson over…
Praying before the Blessed Sacrament is a beautiful way to deepen and strengthen your personal relationship with Christ. Just praying over the gospel of the day is enough to anchor one in silence, slowly praying the verses and pausing to reflect. PLEASE make a commitment to come one Tuesday each and every month to pray during Adoration for 15 minutes.
Our world and its many troubles need each of us to pray that healing, peace, mercy and reconciliation fill the human family in its many expressions. Right now, about 10 people come to pray…. let’s increase that number of people in silent prayer.
This time of prayer can also be a source of inner peace and healing, as well as, a moment to bring to Christ our personal needs. SILENCE is desperately needed in this culture of ours: silence and SOLITUDE, the ability to be alone with no external distractions.
During various Tuesday’s, I will be celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Confession, in the Chapel of Reconciliation near the statue of St. Francis. This beautiful Sacrament was given to the Church by Christ, as a way for the gentle blanket of God’s mercy to free us from our sins. We all are sinners and this Sacrament is a way to receive the Divine Grace that transforms the heart to be more like Christ’s.