We all piled into the car and headed for Sunday mass. I wish I could say we all joyously sang hymns of praise as we drove, but that would not be an accurate description of this or any of our car rides to church. It seems someone is always a little tired and crabby, or someone else didn't allow enough time to get ready, or two are fighting over a certain seat, etc, etc. This week was no exception. As the voices grew louder, I felt the need to remind everyone, "You all should be preparing your hearts to receive Jesus."
"Ya, ya....I'll think about it," said a voice from the back seat.
"Don't just think about it. Actually do it. Change your heart."
We can't just change our hearts with a switch the way we would turn on the lights in a room. Having a change of heart requires us to spend some one on one time with God in order to receive His Light. Sometimes going to church is such a habit, that we may forget to prepare our hearts and minds to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
Our encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist should never become common place. It's not just something we do, it is a miraculous moment where we physically touch the Body of Christ, and He touches us. His life and love become a part of our life and love. Our blindness disappears as Christ opens our eyes to the splendor of the Father's love. It is not enough to open our mouths to receive His Sacred Body, we must open the door to our heart as well. We need to remove whatever obstacles block the door, lay out the welcome mat, and allow the grace of God to transform us. This is one of those heart to heart moments you don't want to miss, so take some time and be prepared.
-Susan
