Preconceived notions, making history, and the meaning of life.
I can't help myself.
I suppose part of that is old age – or what I prefer to call "experience."
When you're young, everything's new. The world is full of possibilities. And there's an adventure in everything.
When you're old, you're like, "Been there, done that… "And preconceived notions become par for the course.
But here's the thing.
They're very often wrong.
You'd think "experience" would teach us that too.
As my wife and I headed to St. Joseph's in Greenwich Village this past Sunday, the conversation spanned all manner of topics except the event at hand.
The dedication of Manhattan's first Perpetual Adoration Chapel.
Okay, you may be thinking, as I did, "The first?"
Yes, the first.
But for all the ribbon cuttings, church and chapel openings I've covered throughout my vocation—most of which were also the first, I figured this would be relatively straightforward.
I was wrong.
The packed pews, the presence of Cardinal Dolan, and the refreshments set out in the parish hall all marks of an important celebration.
But it was during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that something changed…
It was shortly after Communion.
The congregation transcended being a group of the faithful and was transformed into a family united in Spirit.
All gathered in Communion with Christ and each other.
A palpable Joy hung in the Sanctuary air as thick as the voluminous incense billowing from the thurifer.
And as the Crucifix, raised high, passed through the weathered doors of the historic church, processing onto the city's streets.
The congregation united behind the Blessed Sacrament born by the Cardinal.
Just as the first Christians followed Christ and the Apostles some 2000 years ago.
The monstrance passed over the threshold of the newly constructed chapel, transforming the space forever.
The room packed with those whose names will forever be invisibly etched in annals of time as the chapel's first adorers.
It was those whose silent tears and smiling eyes knew.
Christ was truly Present among us.
As the monstrance was gently placed on the tabor, the gaze of the faithful was met by the Gaze of Christ.
The moment was electric.
Christ would now be forever adored in this humble place.
And Manhattan now had an oasis of Grace.
I'll leave it at this.
The experience defied any notion, preconceived or otherwise.
I suppose it's our fallen human nature that causes it.
Or the simple fact that we're so intellectually stunted.
But we also have preconceived notions of what we believe God can do.
We have preconceived notions about His Mercy.
About His Generosity…
His Love.
And that's a tragedy.
Because it's when we jettison these notions and open ourselves to God's Infinite Grace
We become like children again, wide-eyed and filled with wonder.
Don't limit life to what you think is possible.
Embrace the Love of Christ for Whom nothing is impossible, and you will find yourself in the relationship of all relationships.
A relationship that human heart was made for.
A relationship that doesn't just teach you the meaning of life.
Because that relationship IS the meaning of life.
This really made my day. So true and beautiful.
There is nothing like a Perpetual Adoration Chapel. Once people get to know each other, you can go visit Jesus anytime. Day or night. I'm so excited for NYC! My goodness ! God is so good! 🛐📿