The ripple effects of adoration

The butterflies have been active throughout the summer months, helping to pollinate flowers and contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem. These are insects of such delicacy and beauty – yet we seldom associate them with powerful effects. 

There is a theory that tiny changes in one place can have ripple effects elsewhere in the world. This idea, often associated with the ‘butterfly effect’, suggests that complex systems can be surprisingly sensitive to small changes. This might seem fanciful at first, but a moment’s reflection on just how complex, unpredictable and inter-related our world is suggests that these ideas associated with ‘chaos theory’ are not so far-fetched.

The flap of a butterfly's wings may not trigger a tornado across the ocean. Yet the insight behind the butterfly effect - that small actions can have consequences far beyond what we immediately perceive - reminds us not to underestimate acts of kindness, presence and adoration.

My interest in one particular application of the butterfly effect was triggered by a chance reading of this article – The “butterfly effect” in eucharistic adoration:

The ‘butterfly effect’ is when a person adores Jesus in the Holy Eucharist, that person and his surroundings change. According to Isabel Puig, when a perpetual adoration chapel opens, it slowly transforms the neighborhood. 

Isabel Puig, a mother of a large family, helps coordinate hourly turns at a perpetual Eucharistic Adoration chapel near Barcelona. She claims that she has witnessed many positive benefits from the the establishment of perpetual adoration including inner healing, restoration of faith and growth in peace.  There, in a place of silence and welcome, many people find a way forward – often slowly at first.

In an article she describes perpetual adoration as involving the following:

• Being physically present before Jesus in the Eucharist;
• Recognising God as Creator, Lord, friend and the love of our life; and
• Providing a place where people can pray in silence at any time of day or night.

Central to this approach, I suggest, are four elements: time, place, community (since it requires shared commitment and coordination) and faith - faith in the real presence of Jesus in the reserved Eucharist.

It may not be for everyone at this point in their journey, but as an extension of the Mass it can be a powerful means of restoring hope, saving lives and advancing the Kingdom of God on earth.