Just an hour

This is my 3 minute introduction for our Holy Hour at Corpus Christi College Chapel last April 24, 2005, 5:00 pm.

We Catholics believe that Jesus is really present in the Blessed Sacrament. For us Catholics, the Holy Eucharist is not just a symbol. It is not just a memory. It is not just a promise. It is really Jesus Christ. Thus, in the Eucharistic adoration we recognize and honor the Presence of the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. We believe this for only one reason, because Christ Jesus tells us so, and we believe Him. Our devotion to the Eucharistic Presence consists in spending an hour before the Blessed Sacrament. It draws its inspiration from Christ’s words to the Apostles in Gethsemane: “Can you not watch one hour with me?”
In a very few moments, the Most Blessed Sacrament will be exposed in front of us, on this altar. As the Presence of Christ will be present before us during the Holy Hour, we will also place ourselves before Jesus, to adore him, to know him better, and to be excited about His Sacramental Presence under the appearances of humble bread.

Cardinal Vidal, the only Filipino cardinal who attended the last conclave, once said, “We (Catholics) should be the one to challenge our people to come to where Jesus is, truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. Anyone who truly appreciates the gift of the Holy Eucharist would never think of leaving the Catholic Church.”

Indeed, the value of a single holy hour of prayer is beyond our capability to think, imagine, or even desire… (Cardinal Sin)