A story attributed to the Curé of Ars, St. John Vianney, goes like this:
An old peasant went into the church every day before going to work, and again on his return. “Père Chaffangeon, what do you say to Our Lord, during your visits?” asked M. Vianney. “I say nothing to Him, M. le Curé, I look at Him, and He looks at me.”
When I think of what Adoration is I am reminded of this story. Me looking at Jesus in the form of the consecrated host and Jesus looking at me. Or closing my eyes and just thinking about Him. I usually share some words. Simple thoughts. Maybe I have something I want to bring to His attention or need help with. Not a complicated act. Not a big fuss. It’s a personal experience without too much ado. Benediction is a communal event that has a great amount of formality. Adoration, even though there may be others present, is just between me and Jesus.
It is like when I was much, much younger and would spend time with the young woman I would eventually marry and be with now for over fifty years. We didn’t need lots of words. We were falling in love with each other. Sometimes we weren’t even physically together. Many nights we tied up the phone talking a little but mostly just enjoying being with each other even at a distance.
Adoration is an opportunity to spend time with the One who loves me unconditionally and desires to spend, not just a lifetime, but an eternity with me.
Thank you Jesus.
Greg Gillen
February 14, 2025
© 2025 Greg Gillen
Thoughts of the Curé d’Ars/St. John Vianney/TAN Books Publisher
Image Credit/Adoration of the Shepherds/Bernardo Strozzi (Italian, 1584-1644) (Painter)ca. 1615 (Baroque)/art.thewalters.org/object/37.277/Public Domain
