Praying in the Presence of Christ

   The celebration of the Mass, the sacrament of the sacrifice of the Cross, makes Christ present to us in a variety of ways: in the assembled faithful, the Word proclaimed, the person of the priest, and especially in the Eucharistic species of bread and wine. Eucharistic devotions, like adoration or Benediction, allow us to contemplate the presence of Christ, to pray in his presence, and to appreciate the gifts of his great love, the beauty of creation, and the need we have to be nourished by his love and presence.
 
   The relationship of the Mass to Eucharistic devotions reminds us of the primacy of the Mass. The Church asks that our time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament be accompanied by readings from Scripture, songs, and prayers, as well as silence. Our contemplation should always direct us back to the fullness of the sacrament, the celebration of the Mass. It is there that the paschal mystery in its fullness always leads us to communion with the Lord.

   Don't hesitate to stop in at church for prayer, even if there is no formal devotion scheduled. You can take a moment to pray in silence, read a short passage from the Bible, or open a hymnal and let the words and melody of a hymn run through your mind. All of these are ways of praying in the presence of Christ.