There is a friend of mine that regularly attends Mass. Our birthdays are near one another, though I’ll have to wait awhile before we might ever go out to share a celebratory drink at some local watering hole. My friend is just a wee bit younger than me. In fact, although he will only be celebrating his first birthday in June, he’s already made quite the impression at church – especially with the ladies! Henry’s quite the ladies’ man alright! He’s also quite the man of Faith…already! Often attending weekday Mass with his mother, he usually makes his presence known. He likes to pray out loud using words known but to him and God. However, no one complains at all and Father often finds himself suppressing a grin. Henry even often comes to adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Receiving a blessing from the Lord, Himself, is truly great. Receiving a big smile from Henry afterwards makes that Divine Blessing even more divine. Henry, along with his mother and father, are setting a beautiful example for all of us. Perhaps, little Henry can help all of us set a tone for our Lenten Journey as well. First of all, it’s never too early to sow Seeds of Faith (nor is it ever too late, by the way!). We might consider where we need to sow some Seeds this Lent. Maybe Seeds might need to be sown within as we participate in some of our Lenten activities or devotions here at Saint Al’s or Saint Gabe’s. Perhaps some Seeds need to be scattered among our family or friends. Little Henry at his young age is now already familiar with the sights, sounds, and even the smell of Mass - the singing and the music; the different liturgical colors of altar and tapestries along with the vestments of both priest and deacon; then there’s the smell of Benediction with the aromatic incense that wafts and billows through the air. It’s rather interesting that even though some might get sleepy during Mass, young Henry is usually wide awake. I suppose that’s because he’s already familiar with the Rhythm of the Mass. There’s a Lenten question that each one of us can ask ourselves. Am I attuned to the Rhythm of the Mass such that my Faith is invigorated as by a beautiful song and I’m prepared to sing the Song of a Sower? All of us this Lent should strive to go before Our Lord in all childlike innocence – much like Henry, looking forward to the greetings shining forth from all those familiar faces after Mass and in the end looking forward to that True Celebratory Birthday Drink – the One had with Our Lord, Himself together with all the Saints! Here’s to you, Henry! Cheers, my friend!
Peace!
Fr. Wilson