Every Monday we host Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at each of our high schools. Adoration continues until 5:30 p.m. Truth be told, one of my students told me that he had never been good at adoration. Either his mind wanders aimlessly... or he falls asleep. Not a bad place to sleep in the presence of the Lord.
This past year he came with twenty other high school students to a conference in the midwest. And this time he begged God to speak to him in that setting. 250 young men worshipping Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament. He told me he asked Jesus to show him true happiness.
"Please," I begged. "Please, please, please... And Christ spoke to me. And His words were few, but powerful.
"Find joy in me."
"Of course!" I thought. But I kind of knew that. He is the source of all joy. For what seemed like 15 minutes, all I could hear in my head were those four words. Find joy in me. Find joy in me. Find joy in me.
But as I continued to think... and soon became destracted... the phrase (or at least the emphasis) changed. Soon it was: "Find joy in ME." At each distraction, I was "snapped" back to Christ saying, "Find joy in Me." Not in other people. Not in your friends or your family. Over here! Find joy in ME! Not over there. Find joy in ME.
There it was, a true prayer. One that brings focus back to God and not on the distractions of the world. One that holds your gaze, your attention and your spirit.
Finally! I had "found" something in adoration. My attendance at Mass was the most amazing I have EVER attended. I heard speakers who pierced my soul. I talked with people who LOVED God.
I know that our God is an awesome God, and that He has WONDERFUL things in store for those who love Him.
But I know where the source of joy is... was... and always will be.
It is my Lord who strengthens me. "Find joy in me." Thank you, Jesus.
