Experiments in Catholicism
By Emily E Long
Contributing writer
If you’ve turned on the news over the past few weeks, it’s not content that lowers your stress levels. Everything feels like it’s so much to deal with. I can’t help but mumble to myself, “Y’all need Jesus,” as I watch the world become more like a dumpster fire.
Although “Y’all need Jesus” is often said in jest, it’s the fundamental truth of our faith. We need someone to help us, someone to lead us to calm waters. That’s exactly what Jesus came to do. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” To fully rest in our identity as children of God, we need to seek peace at the soul level.
Where can we start? Eucharistic Adoration.
The last time you read your parish bulletin, did you notice time for Holy Hour? Have you ever considered going? Or have you thought, “I don’t have the time,” or “Silent prayer? That’s not my thing!” or even, “I’m this old and I’ve never been, I’m such a bad Catholic!”
Don’t fret, that’s why I’m here to dispel your fears and encourage you to go!
As Catholics, we believe that the Eucharist is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ. After communion, a host is reserved and placed in the tabernacle. Jesus doesn’t leave after Mass is finished; he remains in the Eucharist. When you enter a church and the candle in the red holder is burning next to the tabernacle, you are in the presence of God.
During Holy Hour, the Eucharist is exposed in the monstrance for the faithful to adore. When the priest enters the church, you’ll kneel and sing the “O Salutaris Hostia.” Don’t worry about the Latin, you’ll catch on soon. Then, you get the rest of the hour to pray in a way that works for you — this could be saying the Rosary, reading scripture, journaling, or just telling Jesus about your day. At the end of the hour, the priest will lead the “Tantum Ergo” and Divine Praises — all of these prayers are usually located in the back of your missal, just follow along until you get the hang of it. If a whole hour feels too long, try going for 15 minutes and work your way up!
Even if you can’t manage to get to Holy Hour, you can stop in a Catholic church any time to pray. There are also a few 24-hour perpetual Adoration chapels around the diocese. If you know of one, call the office and ask how to enter, and you can go see Jesus whenever you need a break from life!
Jesus is the source of my peace. In these turbulent times, I can always turn to him. When the world is going crazy, it’s not always easy to just sit and pray and listen. However, that’s exactly what is needed. Learning to trust the Lord isn’t easy, but when you fully lean on him, instead of the other fallen humans around you, you learn that He never disappoints and He always has something better in store for you. This peace leads to incredible things. You become part of something beyond you and beyond this world and slowly, this peace helps you bring the good news to others and the good news of Jesus is what can change the world.
Experiment of the week: Go to Holy Hour or stop by a church to pray! Take a few minutes out of your day to rest in the peace of Christ and take that with you when you leave. Spread that feeling to your family, friends, and anyone you come across.
