SEEING JESUS

In this recent Lectio Divina (Philippians 2:5), I asked myself, “How can I see Jesus daily?” Here are some thoughts.

When I go to Church, I see Jesus:

• The building is consecrated by the Bishop
• The Church houses the Arc of the Covenant in real terms (tabernacle)
• The Church is the Holy of Holies
• At the entrance and exit of any church, I dip my fingers in holy water, the waters of Baptism, to remind me that I am a sinner in need of what is inside.
• The people inside the Church are those gathered to love others as Christ loves them. Sinners? Each one of us. We all sit on our benches in silence with our eyes lowered and ask Jesus for mercy so that we can extend mercy in turn to others.
• The cross (at Good Shepherd, Tallahassee) has the risen Christ on the wall behind the altar
• The altar of sacrifice has been consecrated by the Bishop and contains a remnant of a saint.
• Priests kiss the altar before and after leaving the Church.
• The altar is the place on which Abraham placed his son to be killed.
• The altar is the place where the unblemished lamb sheds his blood to make atonement for sins and to give thanksgiving to God
• The altar is the object to which I bow when I come into and leave the church. It is not an idol but the gateway to paradise.
• The baptistry is at the front near the altar.
• The Eucharist is held on the table of forgiveness for sins by shedding the blood of the spotless lamb of God, Jesus Christ.
• The eternal flame next to the tabernacle signifies Christ is present in the arc, body and blood, soul and divinity. This is the light early Christians used to leave the lights on for Elijah, the prophet, who would return to save the people.
• The Stations of the Cross reflect the path Jesus took to redeem us from our sinfulness and the Resurrection.

There are many more ways to see Jesus in Church, but I am running out of juice.