-
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.” Matthew 18:3-5
From time to time, unexpectedly, while offering Communion a child coming forward next to a mother or father will reach out and attempt to ‘receive’ the Body of Christ, emulating a parent. Almost always, the parent quickly reacts, brushing aside the child’s arm. Such is the first and enduring step of receiving the Eucharist: desire. My gratitude to the parents of those who will receive their First Holy Communion this Sunday and next Sunday. Thank you for initiating and nurturing the gift of your child’s belief in God, the presence of Christ Jesus in the Eucharist they will receive, and the virtues of our Catholic-Christian faith. Most of all, for nurturing your child’s “desire” to believe in our God who is present in all of His creation, especially through the abiding presence of Christ Jesus’ healing love.
Yes, children can be easily distracted but they have a character that lends itself to the gift of faith through trust, dependence, innocence, wonder and spontaneity. As a child depends upon and trusts in the abiding presence and protection of their parents, they not concerned about being embarrassed or the opinions of others. They act naturally, which is the essence of God’s presence. Children are not cynical, hampered by opinions; rather, they see good in others. And they have the gift to be ‘amazed’ when seeing or witnessing something unique or different. All such characteristics are the indelible mark of a child’s soul allowing them to have faith in a God despite the conditions surrounding them, and the personal healing presence of Christ Jesus. If we allow a child to receive the Eucharist and nurture their faith through prayer, that childlike essence of trust, dependence, spontaneity and wonder could infect our own faith and desire to participate in the Eucharist. God bless the faith and desire of those receiving their First Holy Communion this weekend and next.“
“We must open our eyes to admire God who hides and at the same time reveals himself in things and introduces us into the realms of mystery... we must be pure and simple like children, capable of admiring, being astonished, of marveling, and being enchanted by the divine gestures of love and closeness we witness.”(Pope John Paul II)
Regretfully, this Sunday is the last for regularly scheduled Masses at St. John Church with the exception of special parish celebrations, holy days, weddings, funerals. Our church will remain unlocked and available for Religious Ed. classes, activities, prayer groups, quiet time for individuals, meetings and social gatherings. If it was up to me or Fr. Ross, we would still celebrate Mass on Sundays and Fridays, but the diocesan process and expectations has been made clear. I struggle to understand the stipulations from Pastoral Planning that initially affected our parish of St. John’s some three or four years ago, and now directly impacting us with the end of Sunday Masses. Hopefully soon we will gather for a parish Mass and a potluck type meal for the sake of community and our Catholic faith. Our church, rectory, grounds and cemetery will be maintained with the same dignity as in the past. Thank you for allowing me to share in your Easter celebration, Above all, Fr. Ross and I are grateful for the presence and faith shared with the gatherings for Mass at St. John Church. We will gather soon at St. John for the Eucharist. I hope you will continue to share your Catholic faith and presence within the Eucharist whether it is at Sacred Heart, St. Malachy or another Catholic church. My words are inadequate in expressing the loss of our Sunday Eucharist shared together.
Blessings to you this Easter Season, Fr. Tim
“Every child is an artist. The problems is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” (Pablo Picasso)
