It all started when Father DeLuca came to our parish five years ago. I found out just recently that he didn’t even want to start a Eucharistic Adoration program (with Exposition) at our parish, because we’re so small. There were a lot of naysayers in the starting days. Four nights a week, 6 PM to 7 AM. How would little St. Joe’s do it?
Little did we know, and little did anyone predict, the addictive power of Jesus. The most committed adorers were those who had the middle-of-the-night hours, midnight to 5 AM. And I can see why. I started out as an early morning adorer, and kept getting earlier and earlier due to need and life circumstances. The 4 AM hour has been my favorite so far.
I give Jesus this one small hour once a week.
He gives me a GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREAT day and a peace in my soul that I can’t express in words. I yearn for that hour! I picture him up on the altar, just chilling out, hanging with his homies. He’s usually wearing jammy pants (come on, it’s the middle of the night and it’s 2006, he’s not in a robe anymore!) in my imagining, and he’s usually got a book. Maybe it’s because of my tendency to read.
And let me tell you, what I read during my Adoration time soaks right in. It’s as though the intellectual challenges don’t apply if I read it there with JC. Theology of the Body, no problem. Encyclicals, saints’ writings, bring it on.
Make an appointment with Jesus. One small hour. Just wait to see what he gives you back.