We may all know we are saved by God, but few of us realize how much we are cherished. St. Teresa of Kalkutta said “Until you know deep inside that Jesus thirsts for you – you can’t begin to know who he wants to be for you. Or who he wants you to be for him.”
In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus asked his disciples to stay and keep watch while he prayed. The story is familiar, we know the disciples fell asleep and Jesus said to them “Could you not watch one hour?” Mark 14:34-37. The Passion occurred at a specific point in human time, yet is ever present in eternity – a mystery we believe but cannot grasp. In effect Jesus asks us, his present day disciples to “watch one hour”.
Adoration is an opportunity to “watch one hour” in silence, to begin to understand in our hearts who Jesus is. Why? You don’t get to know someone without spending uninterrupted time with them, without sharing your life with them and letting them share their life with you. How can we begin to understand and believe in our hearts this truth – that we are loved and cherished, each of us, as we are; that Jesus thirsts for us unless we spend time with him?
And just what do you do for that hour? You can praise and thank Jesus, tell him your worries, hopes, dreams and sufferings, intercede for yourself and others, read or simply just “be” in his presence. It is also listening to what he tells your heart, letting him shower you with his love and mercy. When you do that, you console the heart of Jesus. Like all relationships, it takes time to develop. And the fruit of this relationship? grace, blessings, abiding joy and the desire to bring others to him.
-Dottie Thompson
St. Henry has Adoration with Exposition (Jesus is on the altar in the monstrance) every First Friday of the month starting after the 9am mass until 10pm. You are invited to sign up for an hour. You can do so by calling Clara Hodgson 937-859-4606 or 937-516-1421. Can’t do an hour? Just drop in for as long as you are able. Did you know when Jesus is exposed, at least 2 people must be present? Adoration (no exposition) is available the other Fridays of the month 8:30pm - 10pm. Please note: the handicap door in the front is the only door unlocked. Should it be locked (happens sometimes) knock on the door and someone will let you in. Adoration is also available Mondays at Our Lady of Good Hope, 5:30 – 6:30pm.