Six-Year-Old Theology

My Kindergartener came into the kitchen one afternoon and said, “Mommy, bow!”  I turned to find her holding a small bowl full of colorful poker chips.  I quickly caught onto the role play and affected a profound bow, opening my hands to receive the poker chip.  I took the opportunity to discuss the meaning of the words spoken during the reception of Holy Communion, and she excitedly shared her interesting take on theology.  It began with some thoughtful questions regarding the omnipresence of Jesus in our lives and hearts, including the fact that He is “always walking beside us.”  She then hit me with, “Maybe if you drop it [the Body of Christ] on the ground, it lands on Jesus’ toe!”

After I stopped giggling, I thought about how this literal interpretation helped her young mind to understand God’s constant presence in our lives.  As she prepares to take her First Communion over the next couple years, this visual will be a wonderful reminder for her of Jesus’ True Presence.  And I wonder if, as an adult, it might not help me from time to time to think more literally.

If I thought about the Lord looking over my shoulder, would I drive too quickly, or eat too much, or make that unkind remark?  And how glorious would it be to come to Holy Communion and be completely focused on Jesus?  Not to be thinking about my dinner in the oven or whether my hair looks right, but to be prepared to receive the greatest gift Jesus left us here on earth with a pure heart and singular mind.  As my parish pastor is fond of reminding us, the “Amen” we say when receiving the Eucharist is the most important one we say all week. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that, “…the celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice is wholly directed toward the intimate union of the faithful with Christ through communion.  To receive communion is to receive Christ himself who has offered himself for us” (CCC#1382).  Jesus initiated this most holy sacrament precisely so He could be physically present to us for eternity.  He truly is walking beside us and residing within us each and every day, thanks to the Eucharistic Miracle. 

It is that literal presence to which my intuitive daughter was referring, and what a timely reminder for her mother.  Sometimes, I think my six-year-old has a better understanding of theology than I do.  Then again, her next question was, “Does Jesus walk a little bit ahead of us so we don’t step on His toes?” Maybe not.