Encountering Faith

 I realize the importance and impact of being physically present to the sacraments and elements of my faith such as Mass, adoration, etc. It just isn't the same to 'watch Mass' online or attempt to pray and envision Jesus in the Eucharist in the chapel when you're not physically there. 

When I was sick for a few days and mostly lying in bed, I missed attending Mass, praying inside a church and chapel, and receiving the sacraments, essentially receiving graces. I could feel it, the lack of, but also really missed the 'routine' even of going to Mass on a Sunday or weekday. You realize the things you miss and can easily take for granted just from being sick for a few days.

Not only was I missing this, but it also became easier to almost forget about those daily routines, and not feel as drawn to them. Again, being physically present is so essential to our human nature and actually receiving the graces bestowed upon us from God. I realized this even more so- my attitude and demeanor once I was able and healthy enough to pray in the chapel, to be physically present; it made all the difference. 

On Friday evening, I was watching an episode from The Chosen. I came to a part where Jesus is walking after a long 2 days of preaching in the wilderness. It is now evening and becoming dusk. He encounters a pharisee who is perplexed about the crowds, the situation and the teaching he has heard from the people amongst the crowd. He sees Jesus, and is stunned- his confusion, doubts up front and face to face with Jesus. Jesus invites him to pray with him a while, as Jesus on his way to a hillside to pray. The pharisee had many questions, and Jesus tells him that he may no longer have those questions once he prays with him. 

I wanted to go to adoration that evening, as it had been a long while since on a Friday. To encounter Him just liked portrayed in the scene in The Chosen, and to find him, speak to Him, and be there in prayerful silence. Ultimately, to absorb His presence.