Written by Patty Mayer
I want to begin by saying that the conversations I have had as a result of this book have been pure blessing.
I too have been asked by others why I stay Catholic, for me it is also the Eucharist.
Recently I had a gentleman ask me about the chapel with the pretty windows. He told me he likes to go in there for quiet prayer because he feels something different in that space. What a beautiful opening to talking about the Real Presence of Jesus!
I enjoy spending time in the St Michaels chapel where I can be close to the Real Presence of Jesus. I am also very thankful for the opportunities we have had to bring exposed Adoration into the daily life of OLIH both on Saturday mornings (8:30-10am), and the 10-hours of Adoration on Mondays (9am-7pm) - which we will again have during Lent. I believe that sitting with, and doing nothing more than just being present to, Jesus for a few minutes or an hour can change the course of my day, and even my week, because it opens my heart to all the graces He wants to fill me with. I always feel different when I leave Adoration.
At Mass we consume the consecrated host and become a living tabernacle. What happens if we really stop to consider this, what does it mean? How does this consecrated host, how does Jesus, nourish me as I receive Him in the Eucharist? I often hear people complain about not being “fed” by the homily, or the music wasn’t inspiring, or Mass was too boring or went too long… yet at each Mass we witness bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ, then we receive Him, and He becomes our food for our spiritual journey. Does our reception of the Eucharist become so mundane that we forget the powerful truth that even in our imperfection we meet Jesus at every Mass?
What happens when we encounter the real presence of Jesus in Adoration and Mass? I believe if I am truly present to the Real Presence of Jesus I will be changed - it may be ever so slightly, but I am changed. This change isn’t me changing myself, but instead an openness to allowing His grace to work through me so those around me may experience Christ through my words and actions.
What is opening inside of you as a result of reading this book?