Reverence And Gratitude

                                          Reverence And Gratitude

Eileen Renders

   There is a topic that I want to share with you as it has been growing within me. As I always say, Life is terminal, and as we mature and age, we come to appreciate each new day we are given. It is another opportunity to be grateful.

   Yes an opportunity to be grateful, and to be grateful for another opportunity to make amends to people we may have hurt, to make peace with a renewed acceptance of God's will, and to love all who cross our paths offering friendship. To frequently visit the sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Moreover, going to the altar to receive the most sacred body and blood of Jesus Christ, His offering to all of us, is our opportunity to accept His body and blood with reverence and gratitude.

   Over the years, I have learned how to be present for that very moment when we swallow the Host and Jesus’ heart is joined with our own heart, and I do this by placing my elbows on the back of the pew in front of me and covering my face with both hands. In this way, I am never distracted and can better commune with Christ. To listen and to feel this holy moment with all of my senses. After instituting this practice many, many years ago, there soon were those occasions when I felt my heart race, a new warmth within my chest, and an affirmation of the presence of Christ!

   When we take the Host and kneel, yet continue to watch others taking the Host and walking past us, we are not giving Jesus our total attention, the attention and focus that He deserves. My CCD Class ending the beginning of the month (May). And one of my students an altar server happens to sit one pew behind me diagonally. And it warms my heart to notice that she, a 5th Grader, now mimics what she watches me do after receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

   I share this today with all as I know that in practicing this way of communing with Jesus, you may find more joy in receiving Him into your body, mind, and soul.