Adore Him with Sr. Alicia Torres | Eucharistic Encounters for Advent & Christmas

Sr. Alicia reflects on Eucharistic adoration, encountering Jesus’ presence in the Blessed Sacrament and drawing parallels to Mary’s womb, deepening her joy.

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Transcript

Who is Jesus? What an incredibly important question. During this Advent and Christmas time, it becomes, in some ways, a magical question. I've been reflecting lately on a time of prayer I had a number of years ago. I was in Eucharistic adoration, which is a form of prayer where we spend time in our Lord's presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

As a Franciscan sister, my community is called the Franciscans of the Eucharist in Chicago. I have the blessing of participating in Mass and Eucharistic adoration every day. During this particular time, as I always do, I began by praying with scripture. It was, I believe, Advent, and I was praying with the first chapter of Luke, verses 26 to 38—the story of the Annunciation.

I listened to those words as I read them silently over and over, imagining the scene, just as Ignatius encourages us to do. I used my imagination to see what it might have looked like as the angel came to Mary, to sense her own emotions—her initial fear and then her openness, realizing, "Yes, this is of God. Yes, I want to do what God is asking of me." She ends this incredible encounter with the angel by saying, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your word."

I was filled with an awareness of what it might have looked like, sounded like, and felt like. Soon, I realized I was seeing Our Lady in those moments after the angel left. She was kneeling, but in a way that was a combination of kneeling and sitting. She was surrounded by light, and everything else seemed to fade into the background. Her hands were open upon her lap, her eyes were closed, and there was a peaceful, joyful look on her face. She was radiating love, and it seemed as though her womb was also radiating light.

That was because Jesus—unborn Jesus, baby Jesus—was in her womb. I was drawn into the warmth of this peace, the stillness, this silent encounter with Jesus and his Eucharistic presence. Very soon, I realized that Mary was not alone. I could see myself and a couple of my friends before Our Lady, kneeling or sitting in her presence, gazing upon her, gazing upon Jesus—Jesus, hidden, silent in her womb.

I was smiling, my friends were smiling, and we were all peaceful. I realized that, in a mysterious yet true way, those were the very first moments of adoration—adoring the real presence of Jesus. Not his Eucharistic presence, but his true presence, hidden in the womb of his mother. Those were the very first moments of adoration for Jesus.

It brought me so much joy. I can't exactly remember how that time in prayer ended, but I do remember this overwhelming sense of gratitude. I remember gazing upon the Blessed Sacrament—Jesus truly present, yet hidden under the appearance of a tiny piece of bread—and thinking and thanking him for his presence and love for me.

I realized that this special encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist was a great gift—a gift he wanted for me, not just in that particular hour of adoration, but every day of my life. So, I just thank you, Jesus, for this opportunity to share this little story with my brothers and sisters who are listening. I ask you to help us walk with you all the days of our lives.

Mother Mary, I pray in a special way that you would help us all take one step closer to Jesus. Help us to learn the silence of that special friendship you have with him. Help us to meet him, especially in Word and sacrament. Jesus, help us to love you more. Amen.