A step closer to heaven

     Today as I was praying in Church awaiting my Granddaughters First Holy Communion, my head was bowed. A sweet angel tapped me on the shoulder. I looked up to find a precious little boy looking at me. I said hello. I told him that I thought he looked so wonderful all dressed up for Jesus, and asked him if he was going to make his First Holy Communion also. He said yes. I noticed he had a scapular on and the most beautiful Crucifix with a medal of Saint Benedict hanging around his neck. I complimented him on it and told him to stay very close to Jesus always. I asked him what was his name, and he told me "Michael". I told him he was named after a very strong and mighty angel. I asked him if there was something he needed, and he said , "yes, will you pray for me?" My heart melted at the innocence of this sweet boy, asking me, a simpleton, to pray for "him". I told him I would and took his sweet hands in mine and I said the Saint Michael prayer with the desire in my heart for Saint Michael to protect this angel all the days of his life. Oh how blessed are these moments to my heart. Another step closer to heaven as these sweet children were about to partake in one of the most earnest and Holiest of Sacraments. 

     Receiving our Jesus into our souls, in Holy Communion, is but another step we "all" take closer to Heaven. What more sweeter act is there then to have our Lord dwell intimately within our hearts. From one body to another, He resides within our souls and takes up residence. It is a gift. Another gift given to us in the gentleness and splendor of Heaven by our God. 

     My heart cries when I see others not respectful of this precious gift. Displaying irreverence for our Lord in the handling of Jesus Christ Himself. Taking part in the Holy Mass itself is a celebration of great respect and love, and then, like a birthday celebration, He doles out Himself as His gift to us. As we remember that night of the Last Supper, in all of its sorrow, of our Jesus, who is about to start His sorrowful journey of His Passion, receives us as we receive Him.  That is a solemn moment. Leading us one more step closer to Heaven. 

     God, in His Majesty and all knowledge, let fall from Heaven, manna, for the people in the desert. Already a prophecy of His goodness for future prophecy of the Salvation of mankind. Holy Hosts made of bread, to nourish their hunger as He does now for each of us at Holy Mass. A hunger that can only be satisfied by consuming His most Precious Body. Feeding us, nourishing us and allowing Himself to come down from Heaven. Just like the manna to the people in the desert. How blessed we are to have such a good, good Father.

     Each moment of our lives is a step closer to Heaven. We must make that choice with every beat of our heart and every breath that we take, with every Communion we receive. 

     Cherish and adore the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist. Where each time, He is holding our hand, leading us all, "One step closer to Heaven".