For those who are not familiar with it, it may seem strange to enter a church and find a number of people waiting in silence. Many times, the church can be rather empty, and the people gathered can seem scattered. The only thing that stands out is the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the altar. The rest of the church is usually vast and empty. It may appear even stranger when, after an hour, these people leave abruptly without anything particular having started.
This is the scene that unfolds each time adoration takes place in a Catholic tradition. Its purpose is not so much about what is said or prayed together, but rather to be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ to be filled with His spirit.
The time of an hour is crucial, as when it begins, the mind is filled with all sorts of matters, and it’s not something significant for the first hour. It’s where you begin to speak to the Lord within yourself and feel His presence and consolation. Then, as time passes, we enter into the spirit of silence and the mind calms. Here we find the purpose of Adoration because as St. Augustine says, our hearts will not find rest if they do not rest in the Lord. From time to time, focus your attention on the presence of God and repeat it with a joyful heart, like “Come, Lord Jesus” or “Jesus, I trust in You.” It is a beautiful thing when more people discover the power of Adoration and find an hour in our busy week to stay in silence with our Lord Jesus Christ.
