Someone once told me that anytime we enter into prayer, we are saying yes to a moment Jesus carved out for us since the beginning of time. The invitation was there and we took it. I’ve had many moments in prayer where I felt like Jesus was silent. If I’m being honest… there are many moments in prayer where I feel nothing at all.
But, I can’t say the same about sitting before the Blessed Sacrament. Many would argue that Jesus is always present to us so there's no need for the Blessed Sacrament. “Jesus is everywhere,” yes. But, a real, tangible, human encounter with the physical presence of Jesus is available to us in the Eucharist. There is no prayer, no encounter, no time with Jesus like the moments I’ve sat before the Blessed Sacrament and felt more than words can articulate.
Overwhelming peace. Joy. Aw. Wonder. Hearing His actual voice. Seeing actual visions in my mind. So, while some may say that it’s not real… it’s very real to me. And, my experiences with Jesus present in the most Holy Sacrament is why I adore the Catholic faith.
Life with littles is chaotic. I’d argue every season feels chaotic, though. And there, in front of that monstrance, time and chaos stand still. His presence overwhelms every aspect of my life bringing calm almost instantly. Don’t believe me? I dare you to sit in an adoration chapel for 30 min. Call me after, k?
Lord, thank you for loving us enough to remain with us in a world that is very much not of You. Help us love like You do, sacrificially, without reservation.
"So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him.” – John 6:53-56
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Artwork © Natalie Haydel Barker. All rights reserved.
