Month: June 2024

70) In Persona Christi

70)  In Persona Christi        6/23/24

     The Church teaches that our priests are “in persona Christi,” in the very person of Christ.  This has come home to me in a way that reinforces the reality of God’s personal knowledge and love for little me; He recognizes and knows me! 

      It’s always a delight when I meet someone I haven’t seen for a while and their face lights up as we recognize each other!  It’s obvious that they remember me, and that they’re happy to see me 🙂 (Me too!)  Gathering for family celebrations, meeting at conferences, and just bumping into people at the grocery store are all opportunities the Lord provides to bring His children together as family.

      The ones that have really spoken to my heart are when a holy priest (or even a bishop!) recognizes little me, and their look conveys a warm welcome.  There are so very many people that call for the attention of our pastors, I often marvel that they are able to keep us all straight!  As I enter my late 70’s, I’m that much more aware of seeing people that look familiar, and searching my memory files to identify how we’re connected 🙂  When the name and relationship come in to focus, it’s a real gift!

    As the Lord has been reminding me again and again, He really knows ME, and He provides circumstances and  happy surprises to confirm that in my heart 🙂  I think of going to Mass in a small town far from home, and as I approached the pastor to receive Jesus, he recognized me, and said my name, Ann!  He had prepared me for entrance into the Catholic Church 40 years ago, and I hadn’t seem him in a long time.  In my spirit, I heard Jesus through this good priest call my name, and smile at me.   

     I remember a special Bishop remembering my name as we headed on the Quo Vadis boat to Holy Name Retreat House at Chambers Island; we hadn’t seen each other in several years, but he remembered me, and called me by name!  

     Going to Mass in another small town away from home, there was my spiritual director as the celerbrant – he knows me well, but was surprised to see me there, and his happy and inviting greeting came to me as straight from Jesus; this priest was in persona Christi.  

     The most recent was at the a very large Mass with the Bishop presiding.  My friends, who were ahead of me in the communion line, switched to the Bishop’s line, and I followed them.  When he raised the Host, speaking those precious words, “the Body of Christ,” his eyes met mine, and lit up enough for me to know that he too recognized me, remembered me, and that it was a happy memory for him!  Again, we hadn’t seen each other in several years, but had some written correspondence that had been a blessing for us both, and had created that bond of friendship that is centered on Christ.  Once again I was reminded, “God Himself knows you, He remembers you, and He’s delighted to bless you again with a gift that would be meaningful only to you.  He loves YOU!” (ME!!!). My heart sings with gratitude to the Good God Who can never be outdone in His generous love for His little children!

Lord God, how grateful I am for the repeated reminders of Your personal intimate love for me; that You know me, remember me, and delight in surprising me with this gift, offered especially through Your holy priests, “in persona Christi!”  May You speak to each of their hearts so personally also, as they bring Your love and mercy to Your children…

69) Eucharistic Revival

     When I first heard of the Eucharistic Revival, and the pilgrimages planned across the country, I wanted to be a part of that!  My faith journey has led me to a deeper appreciation and awareness of Jesus truly present in the Eucharist, so the idea of walking with Him across the whole USA, with thousands of people participating, brought joy to my heart 🙂

     When I heard the procession would be passing through the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion, I knew that was the place I wanted to join in.  Having been a volunteer there when it was first declared worthy of belief in 2010, and watching as it’s status continued to grow, it was dear to my heart.  Driving there through the farmlands, with little or no traffic, and arriving at this place of peace was always a highlight and blessing!  I was already planning a trip to WI for my great-niece’s graduation party, so the timing was perfect! 

  

  There would be thousands of people arriving, so an early arrival for me made good sense.  The actual program would start at 1:00; I came at 9:00 and was able to get a prime parking spot :), and just spend quiet time on the grounds and in the crypt, the actual site of Mary’s appearance in 1859 to Adele Brice.  Lighting a few of the hundreds of candles flickering in the quiet and dimly lit room, I sat in silence and brought to Mary the many intentions on my heart, knowing that she received them and with her tender mercy placed them in the Heart of Jesus.  I had come alone, and was blessed to join good friends and share this special day with them!  

 

Throughout the talks offered on the pilgrimage route, the Reality of Christ present in the Eucharist, and present within each Christian believer, resonated again and again.  We were reminded of Mary as the first Eucharistic processor, carrying Jesus in her womb as she traveled to meet Elizabeth, and that indeed we too carried Him wherever we went.  God entered the human world to dwell within us, to be One with us, and to bring His presence with us wherever we go – to bring His Light and Love to this fearful and hurting world as agents of His Mercy.

     The scene that repeated itself for me was a recent visit to an arts fair.  The streets were jam packed and narrow between the multiple exhibit booths; we could only walk slowly and it was really difficult for me to actually appreciate the many offerings.  I was tired, and counting the steps til we could get back to the car and away from the crowds.  Then it occurred to me; I was carrying Christ!  I was one of His living tabernacles processing among the multitudes, but they didn’t know it.  It brought renewed energy to me though, and put a smile on my face that often was received and returned by the many souls traveling with me.  Every Christian is part of a procession carrying Jesus, even when there’s no canopy or incense, no vestments or external trappings.  The Procession at the Shrine has magnified that for me, and I thank the Lord for the incredible privilege of being His dwelling place wherever He leads me…

Lord God, thank You For putting the Eucharistic Revival on the hearts of Your people!  Thank You for the pilgrimages crossing our country and awakening Hope in the lives of those who participate, and who witness this amazing journey!  Thank you that you’ve called and chosen me, one of your littlest children, to be a small part of something so very big and wonderful!  I pray that I may be ever mindful that I am carrying Jesus, everywhere I go…