The Personal Eucharist

As Catholics we believe that Jesus is truly God, the second person of the Trinity, and also truly a man. It’s the truly man part that’s sometimes difficult to fathom. Being human is a many-faceted thing. It involves every physical, spiritual, emotional and psychological aspect of our being. Some of those things are easy to recognize in Jesus. We know that he ate, slept and at times experienced intense emotional distress to the point of crying. He shares all human characteristics, except sin, but some characteristics we rarely consider.

Ponder one defining human trait that often escapes our consideration, perhaps because it’s so universal. What happens when we lack the company of loved ones for any prolonged period of time? We miss them. Why is that? Why do you long for the physical presence of a spouse, family member, or close friend who has been absent from you? We have phones, e-mail, texting and even Skype. Despite such amazing means of communication with loved ones, something is lacking. All fail to satisfy the desire for a person’s actual, physical presence. Is there something wrong with us? No, it is precisely the way God created us to be. What’s amazing is that Jesus experiences the same thing with regard to you. It’s true.

Now apply this in the context of Eucharistic Adoration. We naturally tend to think that spending silent time in the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is about Him consoling, strengthening and helping us. It surely is, and it’s an amazing and incomprehensible gift. Just as amazing is the reality that Jesus, the God-Man, is subject to the yearning to be physically as well as spiritually close to you. He is human! He desires your literal, physical presence with Him, as well as that of your spirit and emotions.

It’s an extension of the profound mystery of Him giving us His body and blood during mass. Eucharistic Adoration is an amazing expansion of the opportunity for Jesus to be CLOSE to us, as well as us to Him. Can the physical company of a flawed, sinful individual like me and you really mean that much to Him? The answer is yes! But He leaves Himself at our disposal – He waits in the tabernacle for our company. As St. Therese of Lisieux once said, "Do you realize that Jesus is there in the tabernacle expressly for you - for you alone …?”

How pleasing is it when you spend quiet time in Jesus’ real Eucharistic presence? According to saints, doctors of the Church and popes, immense graces and benefits are given not only to you, but also to your family, your parish, the nation and the world.