Editor’s Note: As the Church celebrates a special three-year National Eucharistic Revival to help people gain a greater understanding of Jesus’ presence in holy Communion, readers of The Catholic Spirit have begun sharing their experiences with the Eucharist

While praying in the adoration chapel one afternoon, a little girl (who was with her mom) came quietly over to me, with a big smile, and whispered as she pointed to the monstrance, “That’s baby Jesus…” and pointing to the Mary statue, she continued, “…and that’s his mommy.”

It was so sweet and pure, and the Scripture, Isaiah 11:6 “… and a child shall lead them” came to mind. She wanted to introduce me to her friend, Jesus, and to his mom, too. Adoration was certainly deepening this little one’s friendship with Jesus.

Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1379 states: “Eucharistic adoration … as faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist deepened, the church became conscious of the meaning of silent adoration of the Lord under the Eucharistic species.” At times, I wonder, do we really know that when we spend time in eucharistic adoration, that we are truly in the real presence of Jesus? We believe it in faith, but is it only knowledge in our head, or has it reached our heart? When it does, wow,  what an honor and a gift.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, the meaning of adore is “To worship or honor as a deity or as divine; to regard with loving admiration and devotion.”

For those wishing to enhance their relationship and friendship with Jesus, the adoration chapel is a great place. Spending time in adoration, adoring Jesus — while sitting, kneeling, lying prostrate before the monstrance — we worship and honor our Lord as the divine one, regarding him with loving admiration and devotion.

Being quiet and listening to him is essential. Who wouldn’t want Jesus as their best and closest friend? I like to imagine Jesus praying with me as I pray the rosary in honor of his mother, and for me, it is a comfort. And as the saying goes, if we want to get to know someone better, we spend time with them. What an excellent place to become better acquainted with the King of Kings and to express to him our gratitude for — well, for everything — the good and the bad, and for the fact that he is always with us, always, along with his dear Mother, also our Mother.

When I was in grade school, all the different grades took turns going into the church for the Holy Thursday adoration. I remember looking forward to that time and wondering why it wasn’t more often. A few years ago, two of my dearest friends and I often had prayer time together, tea visits and mini day trips. One summer, we decided to include (what we called) “chapel hopping” on our trips. We’d find a church that offered 24-hour adoration and spend time in prayer together in various chapels. It was wonderful.

I find adoration to be truly my “spiritual filling station.” I would certainly recommend it to everyone, individuals and families. You will be filled with peace and wonder and possibly an excitement to introduce others to our Lord, as the little girl wanted to introduce me to her friend, Jesus.

Bomsta, 74, and her husband, Ron, are members of St. Paul in Ham Lake. They live six miles from St. Patrick Church in Oak Grove, where Bomsta usually goes for adoration of the Eucharist.