The Different Between Exposition and Adoration
On this Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ, I would like to focus on prayer in the presence of the Eucharist.
“Exposition” and “adoration” are terms that are often interchanged. However, there is a difference. Exposition gives the opportunity for the community to pray with the Eucharist visible. Adoration is most often praying before the tabernacle, when the Eucharist is present but not visible. Exposition is a liturgy of the Church, which involves communal prayer with periods of silence. Adoration is a private devotion that need not involve any communal prayer. Exposition is not a time just for your own quiet prayer; that is the purpose of Adoration.
The ritual book, Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass, explains: “During the exposition, there should be prayers, songs, and readings to direct the attention of the faithful to the worship of Christ the Lord. To encourage a prayerful spirit, there should be readings from Scripture with a brief homily or exhortations to develop a better understanding of the Eucharistic mystery. It is also desirable for the people to respond to the word of God by singing and to spend some periods of time in religious silence” (95). The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have created a variety of holy hours that focus our prayer to Jesus Christ on peace, life, vocations, and other topics that are at the heart of the life of the Church and the world.
The Rite of Eucharistic Exposition is an extension of the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, which occurs in every Mass. It states, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament flows from the sacrifice of the Mass and serves to deepen our hunger for Communion with Christ and our unity with the rest of the Church.
Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle is available during office hours (except when a Mass is being celebrated). You may need to enter through the parish office. Exposition is celebrated on the first Friday of each month, following the 9:00 am Mass.