Fr. Simon's Letter - September 26, 2021

We all experienced a great hunger and a sense of loss when we could not participate in the celebration of the Eucharist during the ‘stay-at-home’ period last year. We breathed a sigh of relief and returned with joy and nervous concern to be satisfied at the table of the Lord. The Eucharist is so central to our existence as a faith community that the documents of the Vatican Council call it the ‘source and summit’ of life in the Church. It is in the Eucharist that we encounter Christ through prayer and song. It is in the celebration and the honor of the Eucharist that we find comfort in our troubles and strength to live as disciples of Christ. 

As Catholics, we believe in the real presence of Christ in the elements of bread and wine. The Eucharist reserved in the tabernacle offers us an opportunity to encounter Christ in humility and silence. The basilica is open on weekdays after Mass during which time many individuals come to spend time in silence and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

As we begin to re-energize our many ministries in the parish and kick off meetings and activities, we will resume the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Previously, we had an hour of adoration every Monday. As we renew this sacred practice, we will have adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on each First Friday of the month from 5 to 7pm in the Benedict Center Chapel beginning October 1, 2021. If you are not familiar with this practice, please note that in adoration a person spends time in the presence of Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Eucharist. One can spend time in adoration in multiple ways. Reading scripture, praying the rosary, other devotional prayers, or reading a spiritual book are all great ways to pray in adoration. One can also spend time talking to Jesus, telling him what is in your heart (i.e., your experiences of joy, sorrow, struggle, success, failure and love). Gazing at Jesus in simple silence as Jesus looks at you with love and tenderness is another way to adore the Lord in adoration. 

We all live busy lives and are pulled every minute in many different directions. Spending time alone with the Divine Presence in the Blessed Sacrament can help us find the peace and calm for which we all clamor and the strength to live our lives to reflect God’s love and mercy to others. So, I encourage you to come after work and rest your tired body and mind before the Lord to be renewed as you return to your tasks. Even spending just fifteen minutes with Jesus will make a difference. Let us always make and have Jesus and the Eucharist be at the center of our lives.

Blessings!!