This Is a Hold Up!
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When our family became Catholic in 2007, it was a joyous occasion for all four of us. My husband, our two young boys, and I were taking a huge step after many years of study, prayer, and more study and prayer.
Our oldest son was 10 at the time, so had a pretty good understanding of the changes that had taken place throughout our journey. Our younger son, who was just 7, was aware of the beauty of the Mass, the fact that he had been in RCIC for 8 months, and that there were big things happening. Beyond that, I think he was just intrigued by it all, and soaking it in. He received his first Communion and Confirmation that night. As he was partaking of the Cup, he had the biggest smile on his face. He was radiant!
When we knelt next to each other after receiving, he asked a very simple question, “So Mom, does this mean we can receive Eucharist at St. Raphael now?" (St. Raphael is a a parish we would visit when out of town.)
I replied, “Yes, we can receive Eucharist at St. Raphael now.”
His follow-up question, full of joy and wonder, “You mean we’re Catholic EVERYWHERE?!”
“Yes, we are Catholic everywhere!”
And, to the delight of his mom and all those around us, he exclaimed, “This is the best day of my life!”
I have told this story many times, because it reflects the attitude of our entire family that night. We had been on a hard, many years’ long journey. This beautiful Easter Vigil was the culmination of those years. Our little band of 4 had trekked it together. Now we had arrived.
I believe it should also mirror the love and devotion each and every one of us has at the altar. We should be overjoyed that we are “Catholic everywhere,” and that Jesus has made Himself available to us everywhere. Around the globe, Mass is being celebrated. Jesus is there.
May your heart be filled to overflowing each time you are able to receive the precious Body and Blood of Christ. May each Mass be "the best day of your life." May you be evangelistic with that gift as well, and be “Catholic everywhere!”
Joni grew up on a farm in Kansas. She is a wife and mother who has been involved in various ministries from small towns to inner cities. After a number of years in Protestant ministry, she, her husband, and their children were received into the Catholic Church in 2007. She now resides in northeast Ohio, where she is private piano instructor. She is involved in her home parish working with music ministry. She has been blogging since 2006.
