“Even the worst day is made better”

Margaret Jackson February 8, 2023
Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Rapid City, SD

I grew up Catholic and we had occasions for adoration, but I cannot say that I ever understood Jesus was present. As an adult, I continued to practice my Catholic faith but my faith has really grown over the past 12 years since my first husband died. In His patience, He took my fear, anger, sadness and replaced them with love, abundant joy, and confidence in His presence in my life. With God I know all things are possible, without Him, nothing is possible. He has shown me this in many ways, but two of the most powerful have been daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration. 

Before our parish committed to perpetual adoration, I would occasionally come in to pray when I just needed the Lord. But for the past 8 years, I have had a committed hour of prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament on Thursdays. When I am troubled or worried about something, I go to adoration and give it to Jesus. I never feel alone even if I am the only person in the chapel. Jesus is there with me. He is really present. He brings me His Peace. This is the result I see most clearly of spending time with the Lord in adoration. Even the worst day is made better by taking time to be with Jesus. 

I have seen so much growth in my own life, but I also see a big change in our whole parish since perpetual adoration started. God has made Himself known. The Holy Spirit is obviously active here. Our parish family has become so much closer. I pray we never lose the gift of perpetual adoration. 

My husband and I have also started coming to daily Mass together. We have been doing that for more than a year. Starting our day with Mass and receiving the Eucharist makes the entire day good. The Eucharist is my connection to Christ. Every day that I receive Him is a better day. I want that closeness to keep me on the right path toward eternal life. When I cannot attend Mass, I feel like I have missed out on the best part of the day. On the other hand, the more I receive this gift, the more I want to go again tomorrow. When I was still working, my boss told me even if I was late, I should not give up morning Mass. She must have seen a difference in the person I was becoming.

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