“The Center of the Universe”, I think and my breath escapes me. Staring at Christ nestled humbly in a monstrance, I am struck by the wonder of a God who would bring himself to us and then invite us into the center of the Universe.
“The whole world is pointed towards this moment- a moment where every expanse of time is housed, every soul exists, and every goodness is shared” I write in my journal as God reveals even more of who He is to me and, in turn, reveals even more of who I am to myself.
I am struck by the profound and passionate love of God, especially at adoration when I can be face to face with him. Other than Mass, it is when I most deeply feel loved and known.
There are millions who wonder what heaven will be like, what it will be like when they come face to face with the Lord God Almighty, and they wonder at how they would feel. Atheists doubt that anything like this even exists.
In fact, MercyMe’s most famous song “I Can Only Imagine” highlights this inescapable longing. It’s been celebrated and sung for years because of it’s very clear expression of our desire to be united to God. It is inescapable.
In fact, the lyrics to this song expand on this deep desire hidden in each human heart.
“Surrounded by You glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus
Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine”
(I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe, Written by Bart Marshall Millard)
So many Christians pray for even a glimpse of God’s Glory. They hope that they can feel Christ’s presence. They wonder what they would do when faced with Jesus Christ at the life’s end.
I however, don’t wonder.
I KNOW
I know that I’ve never known such peace.
I know that when I see him face to face, in the Eucharist, that sometimes I can’t help but smile at his immaculate joy.
I know that I can’t help but fall on my knees, arms stretched out in silence, in complete abandonment.
I know that at times I feel so perfected, so pure, so seen that I cry tears of relief.
And most importantly, I know that I will gladly worship Him for all of time, with the angels and saints, praising His glory, name and power!
We, as Catholics, are given the fullness of eternity at every Mass!
We are given the true presence of Heaven.
We eat the bread of angels.
We bow down in adoration in the company of the Saints.
We create Heaven as it is being created in us.
The deep longing of our heart yearns to be reunited to our Lord, our love. This is not just a “religious” longing- it is the utmost longing of our hearts.
The beauty of adoration is in the utter humility that Jesus resigns himself to in order to see us raised and sanctified.
As I stare at him, perfect and beautiful, he stares back with boundless longing and adores me as His creation!
I love the fact that Jesus would rather come as bread to feed my body and soul then stay away from me for even a moment. That he loves me so profoundly that he would rather dote on me than lift Himself up.
In the center of the Universe, I am known, I am love, and (yes) I am even adored.
J+M+J
How do you feel in Adoration?
What has God taught you about yourself through His presence?
Joanna Jewell 