Friday, February 21, 2014

At the Moment of Consecration

The enthusiastic faith of our child amazes me.  Every day, there are beautiful things that Liam shows me about his faith in God.  And every day I am amazed.  Here's today's example.

During daily mass this morning, I noticed that Liam was getting a little wiggly and dissatisfied with the books I had for him.  So, we quietly tip-toed to the crying room.  We sat in the far back, where it was almost dark, so that we could have some privacy for nursing -- and so that we would not be seen through the glass by the other people in attendance.

All I could see was a sliver, a little glimpse of the altar where father was.  The speakers in the ceiling above us allowed us to hear his words, although the volume was quite low.

Liam nursed contentedly, and my eyes focused peacefully on him as I listened.  But, after only a few moments, Father said the words that precede the Consecration, that beautiful moment in the mass--and the most important one--where a miracle occurs and the host becomes the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  A few moments later, father then consecrates the wine to also become the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Most people do not know that both forms are both the Body and Blood.)

As soon as Liam heard the words, "TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND EAT OF IT: FOR THIS IS MY BODY WHICH WILL BE GIVEN UP FOR YOU," he excitedly stopped nursing, sat up, turned around, and waved to Jesus on the altar.  I didn't prompt him to do this at all!  And there wasn't even a bell sound to signify this important event.  No sight did Liam see to know that it was happening.  It was one thing only that told him; it was the WORDS!

After his happy little wave to Jesus, he resumed nursing.  Father then resumed the Eucharistic Prayer.  A few moments later, when he heard father say, "TAKE THIS, ALL OF YOU, AND DRINK FROM IT: FOR THIS IS THE CHALICE OF MY BLOOD, THE BLOOD OF THE NEW AND ETERNAL COVENANT, WHICH WILL BE POURED OUT FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS. DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME," he was off me again, waving at Jesus.

Absolutely incredible!!

Then he snuggled in and continued nursing.  Thank you, Jesus, for giving our boy the gift of faith!