Eucharistic Adoration

Eucharistic Adoration is when you spend time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
At the start of Eucharistic Adoration, the priest will place a consecrated host in a monstrance and pray the Exposition of the Blessed Eucharist. You’ll then have time with Jesus! During this time, you can pray in whatever way you want, bringing Jesus your needs, desires, fears, regrets, and more. Exposed Adoration officially ends with Benediction. The priest approaches the altar, genuflects, and kneels. He stands and faces the Eucharist while praying the closing prayer. The priest will then return the Eucharist to the Tabernacle, ending the time of Adoration.

Cathedral Eucharistic Exposition days & times in the downstairs Chapel: 

• Mondays: 9 AM - 8 PM
• Tuesdays: 9 AM - noon
• Wednesdays: 9 AM - 6 PM
• Thursdays: 9 AM - noon
• Fridays: 9 AM - 8 PM
  

“Could you not watch one hour with Me?”  
~ Mark 14:37 

Symbol or Substance?   

Was Christ speaking metaphorically or literally when He proclaimed, “This is my body, this is my blood”? The answer to this question represents a significant divide among Christians. Catholicism, since its inception, has held that the transformed bread and wine, which are the Body and Blood of Christ, are not merely symbols. A symbol is something that points beyond itself to something else.

While it is true that Christ often spoke in symbolic terms—such as in the parables He preached—this was not one of those instances. While teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum, Christ stated, “This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” Upon hearing this, the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” [John 6:51-52]. We are told that “from this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.” Jesus noted their departure and could have clarified that He was speaking symbolically. However, He offered no such clarification. Instead, He asked His twelve disciples if they too would leave. St. Peter responded for the group, saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” [John 6:67-68].

The disciples believed and chose to stay, and that same offer of grace extends to us today. Christ said, “This is my body, this is my blood,” and He meant it. Come, partake of Christ’s actual presence.

Reasons to go to Eucharistic Adoration

By participating in Eucharistic adoration, you connect more deeply with the mystery of the Eucharist. It's easy to overlook this reality, but when you take the time to drive to a local church, you are making a meaningful sacrifice, just like the one you make on Sundays. This sacrifice of time is an important expression of your faith.

Increasing Holiness Through the Light of the Son

Eucharistic adoration serves as a precursor to confession. St. Clare of Assisi once proclaimed, “Gaze upon Him, consider Him, contemplate Him, as you desire to imitate Him.” Standing in the "Sonlight" will lead you to think like the Son.

Being in the presence of God helps you examine your conscience. The longer you remain in this light, the more you will reflect on your failings—your sins. Remember that being in the light of Christ will make your sins more recognizable.

Providing a Reboot for Your Spiritual Life

We all need a reset at times. Our lives can become hectic, leading to fatigue, which in turn can make us more susceptible to temptation and sin. Consider sin as a virus that corrodes our souls. Without adequate defense, we become vulnerable to this virus of sin.

Prepares You for Sunday Mass. Adoration gets you into the right frame of mind for celebrating the Mass. Spend your time reading the upcoming Sunday Mass readings. Investing time in learning about the theme and reading the Mass.
~TheSimpleCatholic.blog

 Pray before the Blessed Sacrament, and by this simple action, align yourself with Jesus and with each other.