In The Middle of It All

June 2, 2024 Feast of The Body and Blood of Christ

Recently, I decided to sit on the deck and spend some time in prayer and contemplation. It was a bright sunny day, not too warm, and with a gentle breeze. It was a beautiful setting with only the chirping of the birds creating any kind of distraction. And then my neighbor began cutting his lawn. So much for the idyllic setting for meditation.

But then, I decided that I would pray anyway. The sun was still warm and bright, the breeze was still pleasant, the birds continued to clamor about the bird feeders and the deck was just as inviting. With just a little effort, the sound of the lawn mower became as white noise to me. Even the occasional truck sound out on the road was just another chorus in that day’s song of life.

I am glad I did not give up on my “quiet” time that day. It actually proved to be a blessed time to acknowledge the goodness of God that surrounded me. Had I succumbed to my initial reaction, and retreated back into the house, I would have missed the occasion that was presented to me. All of the background noise wasn’t a distraction to keep me from God, it was, in fact, all that God has created and laid before me. At that moment, I was meant to be in the middle of it all.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gathers his followers for a meal. As good, obedient Jews, it’s a meal they’ve celebrated their entire lives. Passover was a celebration observed annually, just as Christians celebrate Christmas each year. But then Jesus does something unexpected. He interrupts the Passover ritual and creates something eternal. I expect that many of the disciples were unsettled and confused with Jesus departing from the prescribed ritual. Some might have even been a bit angry. However, at that moment Jesus meant for all who were there to be in the middle of it all.

I reflect on all of this during today’s feast. The Eucharist is a gift that helps me remember that God is present all around me and even within me. The Eucharist is a place to which I must repeatedly return in order to find my face, my name, my identity. Isn’t it ironic that that time during the Liturgy is busy with movement and music. Some might think that we should be completely introspective and entreating, with eyes averted and head bowed. But there I am, in the middle of it all.

When I have the opportunity to share my faith, I try not to get too deep into teachings or rules. I try to focus on what the person may need at the moment. An ear, a hand, a friend. I try to remember that this is how Jesus led his life. Jesus never said that I should “Just meditate about this” or “Sit and stare at this”. Did you know that Jesus never said, “Worship this”? What Jesus says (over and over again) is “Follow me”. He said to eat his body and drink his blood. And to get out into the middle of it all. Every Day.

© 2024 by Timothy J. Doppel

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