Living Catholicism: Making Time to Visit Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament

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October 29, 2004

Making Time to Visit Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament

In our hectic world it seems at times as if there are few places where we can go to be apart from the world, places where we can go to find peace, places where we can go and contemplate life and our purpose here on this earth. In the life of Christ we can see the value Jesus placed on getting away, on having time apart from the regular routine. Even before His Passion and Death our Lord "came out, and went, as was His custom, to the Mount of Olives..." (Lk 22:39). It is what follows this statement that is of particular interest to you and to me. "...and the disciples followed Him" (Lk 22:39).

Let us pause for a moment and meditate on this. Do we follow Jesus into that place of contemplation and prayer? Do we realize what we may encounter there? The Mount of Olives, on that night so long ago, was a place of fear, exhaustion, and confusion for the disciples. Yet our Lord led them there. Why? In addition to fulfilling His own prophecies, I believe Jesus was teaching his disciples even in these last dark moments. Despite the fear, despite the exhaustion, despite the confusion our Lord encouraged the disciples to pray.

"Pray that you may not enter into temptation." (Lk 22:40)

"Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." (Lk 22:46)

"Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Mark 14:38)

Over and over Jesus reiteriated the need for prayer in this place apart with Him. Today, in many of our churches, Jesus waits for us in the tabernacle alone, waiting for you and for me in that place apart. Today, Jesus' words still ring true. We need to follow Him to that place.

As I've mentioned before, I have a deep appreciation for nature. I enjoy walks in the evening, bike rides, camping, working in the yard, or just sitting on the front porch. In all of these moments apart I find God there, I pray, yet He is "most present" to us on this earth in the Most Blessed Sacrament. As Catholics, we believe that Jesus is fully present in the Eucharist - Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Each time we go to Mass, each time we go out of our way to make a visit to Jesus in the tabernacle we encounter the "living God." We need to make time each day for prayer and reflect. We should make an effort to spend some time each week before our Lord in the tabernacle whether it be before or after Mass on Sunday or during the week, or just for a quick visit on our way home from work. It is always time well spent for we sit in the Presence of our Lord and King. I know a number of friends and family that find time during their lunch breaks. The point is that we need to make time for Jesus.

An additional value to going before the tabernacle after Sunday Mass is that we can take our children. It is important to teach our children at a young age about this great mystery of our Catholic faith. I remember my mother pointing to the tabernacle and saying to my younger brothers "Jesus lives there" and "Let's go visit Jesus". Now my brothers are grown up, and they still make time to go visit Jesus in the tabernacle. My sister is carrying on this tradition with her four children. Although still young, my nieces and nephews look forward to going to Church to "see Jesus." That's how it should be.

We need Jesus to refresh us, to give us His love and peace. All He asks is that we come to Him. You don't have to say anything, all you need to do is go and sit in His Holy Presence. Give it a try, I promise that Jesus will not disappoint you.

May the Holy Family continue to bless and guide you and your family. Amen.

Posted by HolyFamily at October 29, 2004 12:17 AM