At the beginning of the public activity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the cleansing of the temple takes place. As the scattered, clinking coins died away, they all heard Jesus’ powerful words: “Do not make my Father’s house a marketplace.” He reminded the Jews that their first calling as the chosen people was to adore. This set them apart from other nations. In this they had their own special identity.
“And my house shall be a house of prayer.” (Luke 19:46)
Adoration is an act of praise to God. Creation – man stands before the Creator – God and recognizes his total dependence in existence on a loving Father.
Only God is worthy of adoration. When a person begins to adore someone else, it is always idolatry.
“My soul magnifies the Lord. And my spirit leaps for joy in God my Saviour.” (Luke 1:46-47)
Adoration is a trusting act of faith in the living, real presence of God. When a man kneels in front of Him, he confesses with his whole being that He is, that He is near, that He looks, that He accepts and loves.
Adoration is an expression of the love of the One who is Love. It is a response to Love which is the Inexhaustible Source.
“…But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.” (Jn 19:34)
Adoration is a refuge in times of temptation, doubt, spiritual struggle, because we escape the evil one who rebelled and does not adore God. We disappear from the devil’s sight, there is no such easy access to us then.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is one of the forms of Eucharistic worship that teaches us silence and simplicity. It is not about “talking” through it, but about learning presence, praying by presence.
“When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Rev 8:1)