and he will do the rest. He’s waiting for you.

The chapel is open Monday through Friday

8:30 am —9:00 am 12:00 pm—1:00 pm

9:00 am —10:00 am 5:00 pm—6:00 pm

10:00 am—11:00 am 6:00 pm—7:00 pm

11:00 am—12:00 pm 7:00 pm—8:00 pm

8:00 pm—9:00 pm

Do you realize how close you now are to heaven? Look at the monstrance. With the

eyes of faith, see the risen Jesus, the Word made Flesh, your Savior, your brother and

friend, your God. It should be an awesome experience for you to be so close to your God. "The whole world," says St. Francis of Assisi, "should tremble and heaven rejoice when Christ, the Son of the living God is present on the altar." As you gaze on the host, remember too that the Blessed Trinity is here present. Where Jesus is present, there too is the Father ("I and the Father are one"), and also the Holy Spirit, who is the love of the Father and the Son. God is making himself entirely present to you right now. And don’t forget that where God is present, there is heaven, all the angels, saints, all your dear departed, the Communion of Saints is very close to you right now. So, as you acknowledge the Lord’s presence, salute them too. In a very real sense, no make believe, you are now in the vestibule of heaven. So shake up your drowsy spirit, fan into flame your faith, and come into the presence of the Lord of heaven and earth. One form of prayer which I highly recommend to you now is just to be present to Jesus, not bombarding him with words, not just reading prayers or a book. Relax in His presence and gaze at Him without thoughts, images, or words. Remember He is looking back at you with a lot of love. You don’t really have to tell Him your problems—He knows them better than you do. Put aside your own plans and make way for Him by quietly surrendering yourself to Him. Let go and let God be God to you. If you find that repeating the word "Jesus" helps, then use it. It is more than just a name. It enfolds the whole mystery of redemption. When distractions come your way, just let them float past you like ships in the night and keep your focus on Him. Don’t be afraid just to be with your friend, "doing nothing gracefully". Even if you fall asleep, don’t worry, the Lord may love you even better when you are asleep. Then you don’t worry him so much!

So congratulations, you are about to enter into contemplation. That is what you will do for all eternity in heaven. The only difference: you do it in faith now, then it will be face-to- face. As pastor, I encourage you in your life of contemplation of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It is a sure road to holiness and to heaven.