By Fr Ed Moloney
The Church has an ancient treasure worth some reflection.
In the parish of Ararat were two senior parishioners. One who died last week and another who died not so long ago. For years, both spent hours each day in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Both must have felt an inner call to this way of life.
This country parish in the Ballarat Diocese was graced by their presence. Silent Adoration had enabled both to grow in sanctity. The benefits and graces of their daily encounter with Jesus for their parish, lies within the mystery God.
Their encounters with Jesus who is our way our truth and our life, no doubt did and will continue to bring about graces beyond our comprehension and expectations.
In 2011 at Madrid in Spain on the eve of World Youth Day, 2.5 million young people knelt in 40-degree heat as Pope Benedict exposed the Blessed Sacrament.
A violent storm broke, torrential rain fell and powerful gusts of winds blew down huge screens, seeing all gathered drenched through.
It was like Pentecost.
Then, within minutes, the wind dropped, the rain ceased and a deafening silence came over the millions gathered.
It was a profound experience to be present with 2.5 million young people from all nations, cultures and languages kneeling in silent prayer before Jesus the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.
Whether it is one person in a country Church, or 2.5 million gathered in prayer, Jesus is there with them.
The Apostles and Disciples waited with Mary in prayer in the Upper Room for the coming of the Holy Spirit.
At the heart of parish life is prayer and service. At the heart of a priest's life is prayer and service. Prayer sanctifies us all for mission.
To have parish church doors all day, every day, from the rising of the sun to its setting is a gift to our parish to enable people and priests to encounter Jesus.
Psalm 127 says reminds us:
"If God does not build the house, in vain do the labourers toil."
In conclusion, silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament contributes to our gathering as a community for the Sunday Eucharist which is the source and summit of the Church's life.