Jessie R. De Giorgio
and Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration for me started 3 years ago as a way to
“slow myself down for 1 hour a week with God to expand my
faith”. As I’m always in perpetual motion, with a stress-filled
job, making to do lists and being a “get it done now” kind of
person, I forget to take time to rest. I figured Adoration would slow me down
a bit. I didn’t know what to expect from Adoration, but I was hoping
to “hear the voice of God”. I’d heard people say
they’ve heard God speak to them and that had always fascinated me:
How does that happen? Is it in a big voice or a whisper? I knew I
wasn’t hearing anything, so I figured I would try Adoration, and
maybe it would happen there.
Adoration gets me to sit down, which I don’t like to do. I
fidget a lot, especially on the chapel chairs. But, I knew I had to try to
sit in silence (a challenge for me.) I had to at least TRY to hear the
voice of God. Usually, I start with my Rosary and my prayer chain; then, I
read the Bible or my Catechism, prayer books, etc. However, I’m a
fast reader and impatient, and sometimes I’m done before the end of
the hour. I get distracted easily, and since it’s hard for me to
focus, when I’m done early, I have a “friend to friend
chat” with God. I like to ask him how he’s doing today, for
lack of better opening line. I figure with all he has to worry about, I’m
not sure anyone ever asks him how He’s doing. But, I’m STILL
waiting to hear his voice. I’m sure he’s laughing. I
can’t say I’m good at adoration, but I’m consistent and I
hope God is happy with me.
For me, my hour of Adoration has become a weekly hug. It’s a
non-judgmental hour of contemplation and conversation. However, I’ve
finally realized (since I’m a slow learner) that I
wasn’t going to hear the voice God speaking to me in a LOUD voice. I
realized the voice has been coming from within for years, directing me to move
toward places I never thought I would go. Places like SD, participating in
our parish’s Door-to-Door Campaign, becoming a member of the
Communications Committee, becoming a lector—all things I never
thought I could or would do as I was once painfully shy! Generally, as we
get older, we become more comfortable with ourselves, but now as the result
of adoration, I’m also comfortable with my faith and I know my
limitations. I now realize God has been speaking to me for years! I just
didn’t know it was happening because I was waiting to hear
“THE VOICE.” Instead, He comes to me in the quiet and
once in while, during Adoration. Imagine that!
Where does all this lead? I recommend you give Adoration a try.
You’ll be amazed at the changes you feel when least expected.
I’ve learned you don’t have to HEAR the voice of God to FEEL
the voice of God. He comes from within, always directing me without my even
knowing it. The changes come in small, simple ways for me. No big voice
like I expected, but inner peace, with confidence in who I am and what I
have to offer. I was trying to make so much from this experience
rather than just allowing the experience to be and let things happen. Now,
I acknowledge little miracles every day with thankfulness and I let God
handle the rest
Adoration is a
disciplined time for me which I certainly need. It levels me out for the
week and is my private moment with God. So, if that’s something
you’re in need of, find your special miracle in Adoration. It will
change your life in many ways and they will all be good. And, let me
know if you hear the voice of God!
Written by Jessie R. De Giorgio
