My brother, a priest, was first appointed to a parish with a huge elementary school. One of his favorite duties there was teaching the children about the Eucharist and in particular, the meaning of Adoration, opening each school year with a Eucharistic procession. Our local paper covered the event. I can still see the image of him walking the halls with the Blessed Sacrament, and all the little children in their uniforms, kneeling along the hallway, bowing their precious heads, as Jesus passed by.
One day after Mass, a parent approached my brother and told him this charming story. This mother had found her two young boys “playing” Eucharistic procession. One, the older, had turned a broom upside down and was parading through the house with his young brother processing behind him. And later, in an exceptionally sweet moment, she saw them “playing” Mass, the older boy serving as celebrant.
It should be noted that this family came from a long line of brewers and there was probably an unusual amount of discussion about beer at their house.
So it wasn’t too surprising when it came time for the “elevation” that it went like this: raising first a piece of bread, the boy declared, “Here is the bread.” Then raising a cup, he continued, “And here is the beer! And there will be a pancake breakfast downstairs after Mass.”
Jesus declares in Saint John’s Gospel today, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world” (6:51).
What strikes me about this story is this: though he may have had a few of the particulars slightly off-kilter, this little boy’s pure, innocent heart was pierced with a perfect clarity of just how special Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is.
Am I? What’s one way I could express to the Lord my reverence for this Bread of Life? Who could I invite to join me for a Holy Hour of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament? Think on these questions today.
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