First, what is the Eucharist and why is it exposed during the Catholic practice of adoration? 

The Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine, consecrated during the Mass. It is exposed during adoration to provide the faithful with the opportunity to worship and pray directly before Christ, acknowledging His true presence. This act of adoration deepens one’s personal relationship with Jesus, allowing us to spend time in His presence, reflect on His love and sacrifice, and experience spiritual renewal.

Christ’s Presence

First let’s look at what we mean when we say that the Eucharist is Christ’s presence.

As Catholics we believe that the Eucharist actually transforms from simple gifts of bread and wine into the substance of Jesus himself — by the power of the Holy Spirit and the correct words of the priest. It’s called transubstantiation.

With our own eyes and physical senses it looks like bread, but it’s not. By faith, we see that the Eucharist is Jesus himself.

Christ’s Sacrifice

In every Mass, the one sacrifice of Christ on Calvary is made present. The Eucharist allows us to stand at the foot of Calvary spiritually, experiencing the sacrifice that redeemed humanity. 

When we look at the host held in the monstrance during adoration, we’re able to meditate on the reality that Christ made it possible to sacrifice himself for us, but never leave us, just like he promised. When he takes the form of the host, he is there with us physically in the room. 

Understanding the Eucharist can transform our approach to adoration. Whether you normally attend adoration, or have only been a few times, we hope this has given you a better understanding of the immense gift it is to us as Catholics. 

Credit: FOCUS Blog: https://focus.org/posts/why-do-catholics-go-to-adoration/

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Children in adoration are a meditation in themselves, if you watch and learn from them.

We adults often have very particular (narrow) ideas of what the ideal image of adoration is. We imagine quiet, distraction-free prayer time - no noises, no sneezes, no nothin'! Jesus has no such standards. He told us to learn from the children, who come to Him freely and without fear. He does not believe their presence in church or adoration is an imposition, and neither should we. If they don't come, or parents don't feel their children are welcome, how will their children learn how to pray, how to be before Jesus, especially in that crucial childhood time when children are so open to the supernatural and free from barriers to belief? Read more about Blessed Imelda or Little Nellie of Holy God to see evidence of that!

Heading to adoration, but need some help finding prayers and guides? We’ve got you covered. Use these guides on three great Catholic prayer practices to aid your next adoration trip: Lectio Divina, Intercessory Prayer, Igantian Contemplation, and the Rosary. Go to FOCUS Equip to find more!