I’ve often wished that I could peek into the first century world to experience the sights and sounds of following Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, I love the gospels but I wish that one of the writers had composed their narrative with all of the descriptions of a novel. As it stands we get more of a linear progression through events, rather than an insight into the moments that surrounded Jesus’s life and ministry. But still I wonder…
What was it like to be in the crowds? What were they whispering about Jesus when he taught?
What did the surge of people look/feel like when they tried to throw Jesus off the cliff?
What was the expression on Jesus’s face as he overturned the tables in the temple? Was there rage is his eyes or was he fighting back tears?
Earlier this week I got a little insight as I had the privilege of standing in the back of the room as our parish priest, Fr. Wade, explained adoration of the blessed sacrament to a group of second to fifth graders. He was decked out in all of his vestments. He walked around the room showing the kids an empty monstrance and explaining the why and how of adoration.
After ten minutes or so, he said, “Now, I’m going to go get Jesus and we’re going to spend a few minutes with him.”
As Father walked out of the room, it erupted in whispering and anticipation. Standing in the back, I saw kids wide-eyed, turning to their friends in disbelief. “Can you believe it” their faces seemed to say, “Jesus is coming in here!” The room was electric with wonder.
I thought of all those who came to follow Jesus, having heard of the miracles he’d performed. They must have had the same look on their faces as they waited for him to do another.
What if we were all filled with the same childlike expectation when we entered Mass? What if we were filled with the same excitement to witness the miracle of God making bread and wine the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus?
In this cynical age, it’s hard to bring wonder out in anyone. But if anyone can do it, Jesus can, and that might be another miracle worth beholding.
