What is the GREATEST SECRET of the Church?
Catechism Meditation:
Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the “King of Glory,” respectful silence in the presence of the “ever greater” God. Adoration of the thrice-holy and sovereign God of love blends with humility and gives assurance to our supplications. ―No. 2628
REFLECTION. If you are a Roman Catholic seeking to deepen your faith and connect with God, then Eucharistic Adoration is a powerful way to do so. Spending time before the Blessed Sacrament, in prayer and devotion, is exactly the same as spending time before the living God. Through adoration, we acknowledge that God is the ultimate source of power, wisdom, and love. It helps us to develop a deeper understanding of His character and align our desires with His purposes. As Pope Francis puts it, “Immersing oneself in silent Eucharistic Adoration is the secret to knowing the Lord.”
There are ‘four kinds of prayer most appropriate in the presence of the Eucharist, namely adoration and praise, thanksgiving, repentance, and trusting intercession.’ Incorporating a variety of prayers into your adoration time can help you to stay focused, engaged, and connected to God. Whether you’re praying the Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet, reading Scripture or a spiritual book, meditating or simply resting in the quiet of His presence, Eucharistic Adoration enhances them all. By taking the time to quiet your mind and open your heart to His presence, you can experience the transformative power of His love and grace in your life.
Why is it important to visit with Jesus and open our hearts to Him in Adoration? Because we can adore Him most perfectly outside of the Holy Mass in Eucharistic Adoration. Think of a visit to the Blessed Sacrament as coming to see your best friend. Sit quietly and enjoy being in each other’s company. Instead of talking to the Lord, try listening to what He wants to tell you. In other words, keep the focus on Him and you can’t go wrong. St. John Paul II said, “The Eucharist is the secret of my day. It gives strength and meaning to all my activities of service to the Church and to the whole world … Let Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament speak to your hearts. It is He who is the true answer of life that you seek. He stays here with us: He is God with us. Seek Him without tiring; welcome Him without reserve; love Him without interruption: today, tomorrow, forever!”
PRAYER. My God and Savior Jesus Christ, true God and true Man, I firmly believe that You are really and bodily present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. From the very depths of my heart, I adore You.
Timeless Wisdom Quote:
“When I stand up to talk, people listen to me; they will follow what I have to say. Is it any power of mine? Of course not. St. Paul says, ‘What have you that you have not received and you who have received, why do you glory as if you had not?’ But the secret of my power is that I have never in fifty-five years missed spending an hour in the presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. That’s where the power comes from. That’s where sermons are born. That’s where every good thought is conceived.” ― Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen