Question: Eucharistic Adoration

Question:    I know we can pray to God anywhere, but praying before the Blessed Sacrament puts us in Our Lord's physical presence so in a way that is better. I can understand that, but why do a lot of people consider it even better/more powerful to pray during Adoration when the Eucharist is exposed? Why is that "better" than having Jesus in the tabernacle, please?

Response:  This goes to the heart of viewing the world as a Catholic.  Catholics perceive the world:  SACRAMENTALLY.   Through our senses we experience God's creation, and in knowing the creation we know the creator.  This is a general principle that applies to all things.  Catholics perceive the world Sacramentally.

This means that the 5 senses that God has given to us are important.   They are very important when it comes to worship.  That is why we use bells, incense, beautiful architecture, beautiful music, and can tastes and touch the eucharist.  God knows we perceive through the senses, and that is important for worship.

Yes, theologically worshipping in the presence of Christ in the tabernacle, and worshipping in the presence of Christ exposed in the Monstrance are the same:   Jesus is present in a substantial way in both cases.  However, when exposed in the monstrance we can SEE and adore Christ in a visual way.  Our prayer is NOT just in our mind and on our lips, but also in our eyes.  Also, remember that Eucharistic Adoration is to enhance our experience of Mass, so that in the end it will even be experience in our taste.

When you worship(adoration, Mass, praying alone, any time) be aware of all that is around your.  Be aware of the processions, of the cross carried by the server, the incense at the altar, the sounds of the choir, use all your senses in prayer.   That is how catholics worship.

Thank you for the question.

peace