When my heart first began to open to the Lord in a deeper way, I happened to be living near a Eucharistic shrine. I did not fully understand what Adoration was at the time, but I felt drawn to go. Something about the silence and the presence of Christ in the monstrance pulled me in. So I went again. Then again. And eventually, daily.
That Eucharistic chapel became the place where I began to be changed. It was where I learned to listen and where I learned to love. It was also where I met my wife. Looking back, I know it was not by accident. The Eucharist brought us both to the same place at the same time. God writes the most beautiful stories when we place ourselves in front of Him.
As we began having children, I brought them with me to Adoration. I remember holding them in my arms as babies while they slept. I would sit in the chapel and whisper prayers with their little heads resting on my chest. It felt like heaven. Those moments formed something lasting in me and, I believe, in them as well.
Now that our children are older, I still make it a point to bring them with me to Adoration at least once per week. It is not always all of them. Sometimes just one or two. But I want each of them to grow up knowing the quiet strength that comes from being near Jesus in the Eucharist. My son is in college now and still goes to Adoration when he can. These habits take root.
If you have young children, do not be afraid to bring them. Start small. Ten minutes. Even if they make a little noise or cannot sit still, that is okay. Over time, they will develop the spiritual stamina. They will learn to love the silence and the stillness. And more importantly, they will come to recognize the Real Presence of Christ waiting for them.
The saints spoke often about Adoration. Saint Alphonsus Liguori said, “Of all devotions, that of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is the greatest after the sacraments.” Saint Teresa of Calcutta called Adoration her spiritual fuel. Saint John Vianney said, “When we are before the Blessed Sacrament, let us open our heart. Our good God will open His.”
Adoration is not only for the deeply devout. It is for the hungry, the tired, the uncertain, the struggling, and the seeking. It is where I found my beginning, and it remains where I go to be strengthened. Christ is truly present there. And He waits for you with love.
How to Begin
Start with just ten minutes. Go once a week. Bring your child or a journal. Sit in the silence and speak to Him from the heart. You do not need perfect words. You just need to show up.
The Lord will do the rest.
