Eucharistic Contemplation

Eucharistic adoration is Catholic tradition. In many parts of the world, perpetual adoration is flourishing as never before. Presented here for faithful adorers of the Blessed Sacrament, the reflections found in Eucharistic Contemplation provide a style for prayer and veneration. Eucharistic Contemplation is not another book of eucharistic "devotions" as has been the style for the past few centuries. The prayers are not directed to Jesus in the Sacrament of the Altar, full of sentiments, feelings, petitions, thanksgiving, praise, or reparation. Rather, these 32 reflections focus on contemplation as a simple, straightforward, and honest prayer. Every short reading leads to moments of silent contemplation. They are meant to serve principally for moments of prayer, yet define the meaning of what contemplation, and specifically eucharistic contemplation, are to people of faith praying before the Blessed sacrament. These reflections on the Eucharist use actual prayers from the Church's sacramentary and rites. The first reading should be studied slowly to have a basic understanding of the text. Then, the reader is invited to search out the scriptural background references, especially from the Old Testament. A re-reading of the text, with pauses, and time for deep silence concludes the meditation. Chapters are "The Mystery of the Love of God." "Eucharistic Contemplation," "Mystery/Memorial of Christ," "United in Blood with One Past," "The Blood of Christ," "The Seven Offerings of the Blood of Christ," "Bread as Living Remembrance," "Proclaim the Mystery of Faith," "O Holy Banquet," "Blood of the Covenant," "'Remove the Sandals From Your Feet, For the Place on Which You Are Standing is Holy Ground,'"