I had a conversation recently that went in a direction I didn’t expect. It was with a business executive who wasn’t Catholic and had little apparent interest in the Catholic faith. But as we spoke, it occurred to me to invite my new friend to visit an adoration chapel.
What would happen there? I spoke of my own experience.
You let God fill your mind with whatever He wants. And you may not even know that He’s talking to you. You may not recognize a single thing from God in that moment. But throughout the day, He’s going to have other people talk to you. And it is going to blow you away. You’ll think, where did that come from? And you’re going to know: it could only have come from God. And that’s what you need to know: not your ways but God’s ways. God’s ways are different from our ways.
It doesn’t matter where you come from, who you’re married to, what your belief system is. You’re going to go into adoration and you’re going to feel God’s presence in a way you’ve never felt it before — whether you believe it or not. Because He’s there, whether you like it or not.
My friend expressed interest in going, so I offered the address of an adoration chapel and how to get in. Our conversation was a continual reduction of barriers.
You see, our job as Catholics is to introduce people to Jesus Christ. Then it’s up to them and Jesus what they do with that relationship.
Another person I know walked into an adoration chapel for the first time, sat down and just started crying. And couldn’t stop crying because that person had never felt that kind of love before.
It’s a simple invitation: come meet Jesus Christ. He’s in this chapel. Come sit and be loved for as long as you want to be loved. Come be in the presence of God. He’ll wrap his arms around you and love you in a way you’ve never experienced.
I would compare adoration to confession. When I walk into adoration, it’s like walking out of confession. I feel rejuvenated, forgiven, loved.
There are many guides for praying in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, or in making a Holy Hour. Here’s my method: beg the Lord for mercy. Ask Him for what you want. Thank him for what you have. Then be quiet and listen.
Spend time with Our Lord in adoration, then share that experience with others. Invite them to experience the gift of Jesus Christ. It’s like Christmas every day of the year.
Larry Smith is the president and CEO of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Denver. Visit online at ccdenver.org or call 303-742-0828 to learn more, volunteer or make a donation.
