What are you looking forward to? It dawned on me this week as I was talking to
some folks about their kids, that despite all the work, pressure, and
obligation that students are under at this time of year, there is an underlying
upbeat anticipation that gives them a contagious positive outlook. Sure, they may have tests and papers and
weeks of class to slog through yet, but summer is coming; graduation is just
around the corner, and high school or college (or first grade, for that matter)
beckons with excitement and possibility.
It seems everyone, young and old, has a lot to do
this time of year, but there is a fundamental cheer that buoys us along. It may be as simple as the weather. As odd as this spring has been, the weather
promises to keep getting better, and that makes folks happier.
Summer also means a respite for most folks; if not a
long vacation, at least a relaxation of the pace and pressure at work. Traffic thins out, and our commutes improve. Add an increase in social time, with these
same people who seem to be in such a good mood, and that is worth working
toward.
The crush is now upon us, but that is okay. It seems people are willing to work to
achieve something good that is tangibly close, letting anticipation be
motivation.
One of the biggest things people are excited about is
First Holy Communion, coming up next weekend.
Our second-graders have been preparing for this for a year or more. Their excitement is palpable enough to
overflow to their families, who show an eagerness that matches that of their
youngsters.
Of course they are excited about the event itself,
which is one of my favorites of the year here at Saint Bernadette. The suits or dresses, the visiting relatives
and parties, and of course, a gift or three on top of all that, are doubtless
on their minds. But they also know that
something else is coming, something that will change them and change their
relationship with Jesus in a lasting and marvelous way.
To receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, accepting His
Soul and Divinity as food for our soul that transforms our humanity, is a
miracle that children in their straightforwardness rightly find exhilarating.
What about us?
I do it every day, sometimes more than once. You do it at least every week, or know you
should. As we manage whatever logistics
we require to bring ourselves and our families to the sublime moment of Holy
Communion, do we take even a moment to anticipate what it promises? Do we pause long enough to focus on the change
that will comes with this day’s visit to our bodies of the Living God in the
flesh, who strides toward us in His perfect knowledge of us, and great love for
us? Are we able to muster the joyful anticipation
of a toddler for the return of a parent, or are we more like the indifferent
high-schooler, who when forced to greet, will grunt?
Nurture the joyful anticipation that provides
motivation. Prepare our souls as we clean and order our homes for a beloved
guest, and present ourselves as we would offer a carefully chosen gift,
beautifully wrapped and eagerly delivered.
When what we are working toward promises to be good, the work itself is
not crushing, but rather we are energized for it by what we expect. Summer comes and summer goes, but Christ
Jesus is the true Sun who never sets. Behold,
He comes; what are you looking forward to?
Monsignor Smith
