Keep Your Ears Open

 

 Last week, my brother stopped by with a gift for my son. It was a beautiful carving of the Last Supper. My 3-year-old granddaughter watched my son open his present. As she looked at the carving, I explained that this was Jesus and the apostles sharing the Last Supper together. She looked at the carving and said, "Where's Mary?"

 I smiled at her question. My granddaughter's faith had already discovered how much Jesus loves His mother, Mary. "It's possible Mary was celebrating this meal in another room," I tried to explain. "Do you remember when we were at Mass, and you asked me why they were ringing those bells? Do you remember I whispered that it was to let everyone know something very special is about to happen. Jesus asked us to bless the bread so that we remember how much He loves us. So when they ring the bell, we are remembering the Last Supper."

 My granddaughter was quiet for a minute and then said, "Ok, who is the lamb then?"

 I was stunned as I realized she was really paying attention to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Fortunately, my brother was able to quickly answer her question, "Jesus is the Lamb." My granddaughter was happy with that answer as she put a piece of candy in her mouth and then went off to play.

 The Holy Spirit is speaking to each of us during the Mass. Neither our age nor comprehension is as important as our willingness to listen. The Mass is a mystery wrapped in love that none of us can fully comprehend. Throughout our lifetime, God calls us to come closer to grow in our understanding and love.

 I have a couple of suggestions for the new year. First, if you find you aren't getting anything out of Mass, ask yourself, "Have I stopped listening?" If this is the case, my next suggestion is for you to cry out, "Where's Mary?" Mary will eagerly come to your side and teach you how to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit again.

-Susan