For the past four years, every Thursday morning at 2:00 a.m. I could be found kneeling before Jesus in the chapel at St. Catherine of Sienna Parish in Orange Park, FL. However, this Thursday morning at 2:00 a.m. I am sitting at my computer. What possibly could drag me away from spending quiet time with my Lord?

It just so happens that the threat of tropical storm Fay, descending on northeast Florida, has made it necessary for our pastor, for the safety of the adorers and that of the Blessed Sacrament, to return the Blessed Sacrament to the Tabernacle and cancel Eucharistic Adoration for the duration of the storm.

The opportunity to adore our Lord, up close and personal, present before us in the Monstrance (picture), is a gift of inestimable value. I encourage all Catholics to find just one hour a week to visit with Jesus who is waiting for you in adoration chapels all around the world. No excuses. If your days are full, then do what I do and go during the night or early morning hours. If your parish does not have Eucharistic Adoration then find a surrounding parish that does and go there. In the mean time, encourage your pastor to begin adoration at your parish. He can start with just a couple days a week. It will not only be a blessing for all who come, but to the parish as well.

Since I could not spend this time face to face with Jesus, I think it fitting that I was able to have my very first blog post be an opportunity to urge others to seek out Jesus. He is not hard to find. He is as close as the nearest Catholic Church. I know you have needs, wants, and desires, we all do. Seek out Jesus. Spread out your problems before him. He wants to help you. Don’t let another day pass.

Take courage, my friend.