“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof,

  but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

During the Communion Rite in Mass, we recall the centurion’s request for Jesus to heal his servant. We unite our response with the centurion in our unworthiness to receive Jesus into our homes (Roman Missal, 2011; cf. Matthew 8:15-13). Yet he calls, he invites, he searches, and he finds a way into our homes, our souls if there is any openness at all.

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The parish of St Ann in Edenton, NC, has been responding to the invitation of Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama to bring Jesus to all. This 100th anniversary of the Diocese of Raleigh and this National Eucharistic Revival on the part of the US Bishops has been cause to renew our Catholic belief in the Real Presence. Jesus is truly with us,Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

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The Eucharistic Lord has been making his rounds to people where they are. Quite literally. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has been hosted in parishioner’s homes, a period of contemplation where the Eucharist is worshiped outside of Mass. These moments of divine intimacy at home with family and friends sanctifies dwellings and their dwellers. Adoration reaffirms Jesus’ abiding presence in the sacrament of the Eucharist, in Scripture, and in the People of God.

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Adoration at home has been an occasion for joy. Those who gather for these times of prayer range from daily Mass-goers to those who have never been to adoration. In these intimate moments with Jesus in people’s homes, he calls, he invites, he searches, and he finds a way into our homes, our souls if there is any openness to our sacred Host.  

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Anthony Pham

Seminarian

Diocese of Raleigh, NC

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