I joined a new parish after having moved. It was a simple rural church, humbly outfitted, but still a place to find joy in the Eucharist, thanks be to God. The simplicity of the worship space was pronounced the absence of a crucifix hanging above the altar space with no statue of Our Lady or St. Joseph at the sides. As I began to attend weekly Mass, my eyes looked for a place to settle, a place to find the gaze of our loving Lord, and to gaze at him. Thankfully, I found the tabernacle prominently placed behind the altar space just below a beautifully simple stained-glass cross with a dove at its center hovering over the Blessed Sacrament.

It is here in all its simplicity that I found a newness, richness, and depth to the Body of Christ, the fulfillment of the Incarnation. Here I realized that Mary is in and with the glorified Body of Christ. She is, after all, a member of his Body. Indeed, all the faithful are right there in the consecrated bread, humbly reserved in the tabernacle; Jesus, his glorified Body, encompassing Mary and all the saints who have gone before us!

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©Bernadette Harmon, 2019-Feb
Reviewed by Dr. Mary Healy, STD, STL

My mother shared the following revelation about the day she was conceived. In the following conversation, though all the souls ever created are present, there is a bond between the great presence and the smaller presence that is completely undisturbed by the other souls. This is a very private and focused moment.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. - Jer 1:4)	God: Soul:	I have chosen this time for you. Will you go? Oh yes, Lord. I am ready!
	God: Soul:	I do not promise you an easy life. I accept whatever you desire for me, Lord.
	God: Soul:	It will be difficult at times. Soul: You are my God, I trust in You!
	A child is conceived. Nine months later, the baby breathes air for the first time and lets out its first cries. This is my mother.

Let your every creature serve you; for you spoke, and they were made, You sent forth your spirit, and they were created; no one can resist your word. - Judith 16:14, New American Bible

© Bernadette Harmon, 2019-Feb
Shared by Regina Opalka (RIP, January 2018) </p