January 23, 2022

Dear St. Martin of Tours Family and Friends,

Here we are, another year is upon us. How shall we spend the year? Will it be a year of growth and making a courageous effort to do good every day, or will it be a year of stagnation, wasted time and worry?

My temperament tends toward the latter, so I have to fight sloth every day. Sloth is the capital sin that pertains to wasting time and wasting one’s gifts; choosing procrastination over action, choosing instant gratification over tomorrow’s purpose.

If, however, you feel that you have run out of energy and purpose, that you can’t get out of the hole of sloth that you have fallen into, there is a solution:

The solution is to acquire new spiritual energy.

In the same way good nutrition keeps your body in top form, or that good books, shows, and music keep your mind sharp and ordered toward truth, likewise Eucharistic Adoration keeps your spirit charged and full of life.

The Eucharist is Jesus, and by adoring Him, He will recharge your spirit.

What does one actually do when at Adoration? In Adoration, a host (round bread) which has been consecrated (has become the Body, Soul, and Divinity of Christ) is placed in a glass capsule and then placed in a large reliquary, usually with the depiction of rays emanating from the consecrated host.

What would you say to Jesus if you could be in His throne room? In Adoration, the Lord is seated before you, quiet, listening, on a throne of sorts, and there you are in His presence. So talk to Him. Choose your words carefully. Thank Him for all He has done for you. Pour out your heart to Him. Tell Him your worries. Then, spend some time sitting with Him, loving Him.

Indeed, that’s what Adoration essentially is, to gaze with love upon your Beloved, and to let your Beloved gaze with love upon you.

Don’t worry if your mind wanders. What’s important is that you are there. You can of course also pray to Jesus even when He is hidden in the tabernacle (obviously He can see you when the tabernacle doors are closed). So this is something you can do before or after Mass as well.

If you want to change your life for the better, I promise you: Praying before the Blessed Sacrament will change your life.

Blessings for a truly new New Year,