A Deeper Love and Respect

An unfortunate incident at Mass tonight led me to my next benefit of Eucharistic Adoration – A deeper love, respect, and reverence of the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

Through my reading, prayers and meditations during Adoration, I have truly become more aware of the truth in the Eucharist.

I select a position where I can see the Tabernacle in order to look toward Him during some prayers during Mass; I have begun wearing a Chapel Veil whenever I am in His Presence as a sign of respect; I ensure I genuflect toward the Tabernacle.

About a year ago, I was praying for a deeper respect and reverence.  Over the next several days, most books, articles or internet posts I read were regarding receiving Jesus on the tongue vs the hand.  Several things struck home in what I read and more importantly what I witnessed.

Considerations:

Every particle no matter how small is Jesus – how many particles stick to the hand and then wind up on the floor or elsewhere.

How clean are your hands – you drove to Mass touching your steering wheel, doors, and whatever else; have you coughed in your hand; with how many people have you shaken hands; etc.

Are you in essence giving yourself Communion when receiving in the hand?  Take and eat – Right? So, I am not eating until it reaches my mouth.

There are a lot more but the main reason I changed to receiving on the tongue is REVERENCE!

So what happened at Mass tonight?  The extraordinary minister tried to force me to receive by hand.  First she did not even raise the Host- she kept Him at waist level and then went to put it in my hands (which were folded) – she literally tried to stick in my hand and then rolled her eyes and sighed when I did not unclasp them.  I was so frustrated that I let this incident distract me (intensifying the sadness of the situation).

I am not saying Adoration will lead you to make the changes that I did.  These changes were what I needed to do for me to be more respectful and reverent toward Him. What I am saying is that time with Him in Eucharistic Adoration will result in a deeper love, respect and reverence of our Lord!