Gazing Adoration
When God gazes at us and we gaze at God, we light up. . . . And God lights up with joy of being recognized by the one that God created in God’s own image and likeness for the very sake of this recognition. It’s a state of visceral, emotional, intimate communion; a tender recognition of oneness that we might rest in it, resting in us . . . resting in this communion in each other, as each other, through each other, beyond each other in this endless interconnectedness of life itself, of LOVE.
James Finley
Gazing Into the Eyes of the Beloved
Sight and Sound Adoration of Jesus
-
The video below is a musical experience of gazing upon our beloved Lord Jesus so that we might enter into communion with God through the Love of Jesus.
-
Turn on audio, click the play button to view, and click the full screen icon in the lower, right corner, if you wish.
-
The featured painting of Jesus in this video is the "Prince of Peace" by Akiane Kramarik. (akiane.com)
INTRODUCTION
Meditative Adoration uses intentionality to focus the heart and mind on Jesus in a state of ever deepening surrender and vulnerability. In this state we let go of our egos, emotions, and attachments and receive God's love, experience His Glory, and hear Him speak to us in our hearts sending us forth to take right action.
THE PROCESS
Depending on our stage of spiritual maturity on any given day, we may use the following, whether all or in part, to prepare us to enter into union with God to receive His love:
-
In preparation, seat yourself in a comfortable position with feet flat on the floor and spine straight and not stiff.
-
Cross yourself in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Not just for Catholics)
-
Take four to five slow, deep belly breaths
-
Pray the Our Father, a Hail Mary, and the Glory Be
-
Call on the Holy Spirit
-
Draw a long breath through the nose into your heart in two or three intervals and hold for a count of eight. The intervals are not so important as the feeling of expansion in the chest
-
Exhale through the mouth slowly expelling unforgiveness, negativity, other blockages to opening to God's love. Repeat as needed, and breath normally in between
-
With opened heart, gaze upon Jesus's face, focusing upon his eyes.
-
Maintain attention on your heart connection with Jesus.
-
When you mentally drift from your focus on Jesus, witness where you went, temporarily reflect on it, then gently bring your attention back to Jesus and your heart.
-
Surrender deeply into a state of neutrality.
-
Wait for God in the stillness/nothingness and allow yourself to enter into Him as He enters into you.
-
Give yourself over to His love and listen for His will.
-
Return your attention to your heart and offer up your gratitude to God in a closing prayer and cross yourself
WHEN
Radical Love offers monthly introductory Gazing Adorations classes so that you may learn to pray in this form and soon a weekly group meditation to pray in this form together as a community. Such classes become living examples of Mathew 8:20 "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them" indicating greater availability to God in a gathering of persons. This is in addition to your individual adoration practice and Adoration and Benediction in your church.
WHERE
Virtual classes/groups are via Zoom or in-person, if local to Petaluma, CA. Registrations will indicate where located.
REQUIREMENTS
You are required to take the introductory class prior to attending a group meditation. If unable to attend a scheduled monthly introductory class, you may schedule a private session with Linda for one or more people. Go to Book Online, select Schedule Private Sessions, and select Introduction to Meditative Adoration.
We Meditate Upon the Face of Jesus...
The Veil of Veronica, or Sudarium (Latin for sweat-cloth), also known as the Vernicle and often called simply the Veronica, is a Christian relic consisting of a piece of cloth said to bear an image of the Holy Face of Jesus produced by other than human means (an acheiropoieton, "made without hand"). Various existing images have been claimed to be the original relic, as well as early copies of it; representations of it are also known as vernicles. (Wikepedia)
One of many Shroud of Turin paintings
In Byzantine art, and in later Eastern Orthodox art generally, the Deësis or Deisis (/deɪˈiːsɪs/, day-EE-siss; "prayer" or "supplication") is a traditional iconic representation of Christ in Majesty or Christ Pantocrator: enthroned, carrying a book, and flanked by the Virgin Mary and St. John the Baptist (not shown). Mary and John and any other figures, are shown facing towards Christ with their hands raised in supplication on behalf of humanity. (Wikepedia)
Painted by Heinrich Hofmann German painter of the late 19th to early 20th century. He was the uncle of the German painter Ludwig von Hofmann. He is best known for his many paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ.
In 1931, our Lord appeared to St. Faustina in a vision. She saw Jesus clothed in a white garment with His right hand raised in blessing. His left hand was touching His garment in the area of the Heart, from where two large rays came forth, one red and the other pale. She gazed intently at the Lord in silence, her soul filled with awe, but also with great joy. Jesus said to her: Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: "Jesus, I trust in You."
Located in the St. Vincent's Roman Catholic Church in Petaluma, CA.
Unknown origin; However it is the image of Jesus that carries the most significance for me. When I came across it on the Internet and locked eyes with Him, I was transported into what I can only describe as a Born Again experience.
A contemporary painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Dona Gelsinger. This painting shows His Sacred Heart is while his eyes really look at you .... into one's soul.
Painted by 8-year old prodigy, Akiane Kamarak
This AI image of Jesus was generated by Linda in 2024 using the app DaVinci. I have noticed an ever increasing number of AI images of Jesus. Depending upon the intention of the person generating the image, I believe they can be just as spiritually present as other forms of media.
Close to life-size creation of Christ on the Cross. Located in the tiny, rural St. Pious Roman Catholic Church of Cohocton, NY.
... Longing for and Allowing Him to Love Us through our Surrender to Him.
