Today S Homily Comes from the Commentary for Today S Readings in Book Called the Word Among

Today’s homily comes from the commentary for today’s readings in book called The Word Among Us. It focuses on part of the responsorial psalm, which states, “He is like a tree planted near running water”.

It sounds so peaceful: a big tree, planted “near running water”, its roots sunk down into the fertile soil. That tree would be guaranteed constant refreshment. Wouldn’t it be great to have a similar peaceful life?

Being tapped into what nourishes us, we would always feel invigorated, cared for, sustained.

The good news is that we do have a constant, streaming source of nourishment: Jesus. How do we tap into His refreshing life? If we listen to the saints, one particular way stands out: Eucharistic Adoration.

Here’s what St. Catherine Laboure has to say: “Whenever I go to the chapel, I put myself in the presence of our good Lord, and I say to him,

“Lord, I am here.” Tell me what you would have me do’….And then, I tell

God everything that is in my heart. I tell him about my pains and my joys, and then I listen. If you listen God will also speak to you, for with the good

Lord, you have to both speak and listen. God always speaks to you when you approach him plainly and simply.” St. Catherine describes spending time relaxed and comfortable in

Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament. She brought Him her concerns and needs. But she also sat and listened to Him. She was a lot like the psalmist’s tree, quickly absorbing the constant flow of life. We can do it too.

Prayer before Jesus in the tabernacle or during Eucharistic Adoration provides a time set apart from our everyday responsibilities. It’s a time to listen, learn and absorb. Beyond pouring out our concerns, we simply sit in

His presence. We enjoy Him.

Try this the next time you are able to go to adoration: sit with Jesus with no particular agenda. Enjoy His company. Soak in the peace of those moments set apart for Him. If find your mind wandering, you might want to try to imagine that tree near streams of water. The more time you spend with Jesus, the comfortable you will become, and the easier you will find it to sense His presence and hear His voice. Go go! Rest by the river and absorb those nourishing, healthy waters.

Sunday at 4pm, we will have an advent Eucharistic Holy Hour. Come and pour your heart out to Jesus and then rest and absorb the life giving waters flowing from the river of the Heart of Jesus in the Eucharist and you will be nourished like a tree planted near running water.