I recently read a disturbing blog condemning Perpetual Adoration and the real presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. I had to reply, and have include by response here.
Roman Catholics do believe in transubstantiation. The bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ. This is a mystery performed by God the Holy Spirit. It is a mystery, it cannot be explained. If the Lord told his disciples to “do this in remembrance of me”, we do it. He said, this is my body and this is my blood. If the Blessed Sacrament wasn’t real, what has Christendom (the one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church) been doing for two thousand years? With countless Eucharistic miracles, with the millions of faithful communicants and adorers, there is no doubt that the Blessed Sacrament is the body and blood of Christ.
There is nothing absurd about adoring the Lord truly present in the Blessed Sacrament upon the altar. What a wonderful experience it is to spend time in the presence of the Lord. I cannot even express the feelings, awe, peace and closeness one experiences in the exposed presence of the Blessed Sacrament. God truly present, right there in front of you. What a gift of love.
There is nothing difficult about the organization of Perpetual Adoration. Once the schedule is in place, the hours flow by with the faithful lovingly making their Holy Hours. Finding replacements is easy with dozens of substitutes to choose from. I’ve never had a problem. At my parish, two or more are scheduled for every hour, and I’m sure the elderly are only on the schedule during the daylight hours.
Adoration of Jesus in the Monstrance upon the altar is a privilege and blessing upon blessing.
