July 27, 2009
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“I Want to See His Body…”
Here at camp the nurse brought her three little children. Her oldest boy, who is probably three or four years old, loves dinosaurs so, naturally, we hit it off. While speaking about Brachiosaurus, he asked why the dinosaur had such a long neck. To illustrate the reason, I brought him to my room to show him the tops of the pine trees.
Due to a shortage of space, I have been sleeping in the little chapel here. It has been a tremendous blessing to have a “roommate,” being that the tabernacle is right at the head of my sleeping pad.
After pointing at the tops of the trees and explaining that the Brachiosaurus had a long neck so it could eat the leaves and needles at the top, the little boy turned around, pointing at the tabernacle. “What’s that for?” he asked.
“Well, you know when you are at Mass with your mommy, and all the adults and older kids go to communion and get one of those little pieces of bread?”
“Yeah?”
“Well we are going up to receive Jesus; we believe that he becomes bread for us. So when everyone has received him and if there are some left, we keep him in this special place.”
“Can I see him?”
“Sure.”
So I taught him to genuflect and make the sign of the cross while I opened the tabernacle. I showed him the ciborium and then opened it. Inside were dozens of Hosts.
“Where is he? I can’t see him. Why can’t I see his skin?”
“Well, he is sort of in disguise. We don’t know why he doesn’t just appear like normal, but he chooses to come like this; it is a mystery.”
“What is a mystery?” (What a question!)
“A mystery is something that we do not understand.”
“Oh.”
Silence.
“I want to see his body…”
I know, little brother. I want to see his body, too.
Aren’t children amazing?
“Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” ” Luke 22:19
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Comments (20)
Indeed.
Yes, and such innocent questions.
Aww. How cute!
That’s awesome that you get to sleep right next to the tabernacle. Have you been having good dreams?
@WhenFaithandFearCollide -
That was so touchign that I put it in an email and shared it with some loved ones. Thank you.
Children are just so beautiful in their innocence.
And how wonderful that you get to sleep in a chapel with Jesus right there! Pilgrims used to sleep in chapels when monasteries or shrines had no other room for them. Oh how I’d love to do the same!
aww very cute
How sweet! And what a cool place to sleep!You and Samuel,huh? If He wakes you up to talk, at least you’ll know what to say LOL!
how cute!
Lovely! I meant to send you a greeting yesterday on the feast of St. Ignatius, but since I didn’t listen to my first impulse saying “do it now”, I forgot. I’ll light a candle today and an extra one for St. Alphonsus on your behalf.
@TheLoquaciousLady -
How thoughtful of you to remember! Thank you for your prayers and, as always, be assured of mine for you and your little ones, especially the very littlest.
The simplest questions are ones that we often overlook. Thank goodness we’re called to childlike faith.
Kids just know how to boil it down don’t they?
Cute story.
That’s wonderful – kids see so plainly what adults find incredulous! This fits not only the gospel readings this sunday, but also the topic for my Saturday evening – a talk on the Eucharist and Adoration.
Well, it’s always been easy to almost doze in late night Adoration, now you’ve got the go-ahead sign. JK. But you get to say good morning and good night directly to God!
That was beautiful.
I know you’ve been busy, but I’m wondering if you’ve been following my current situations…
I could use your prayers, my friend.
I hope all is well with you. It seems you are quite blessed.
All the best to you.
This post was amazing
What an awesome little boy.
On a totally unrelated note, I just wanted to say that you’re one of my absolute favourite Christians here on Xanga. Christians like you really encourage me in my faith…thanks
Wow, exactly! Me too! To see his “body” before I die would be nice also
@hubbaduh -
You are more than welcome.
I love the picture of the little boy praying. Its cute.
I’m a month late, but I thought that was worth a recommendation