We all live barely aware of the excellences in our selves and the splendors in our life world. We know these are there – even beautiful things, wonderful things – but we are busy, busy, and have little time to be aware of them.
 
This is what makes the closeness of another such a mysteriously powerful experience. For when another person shows interest in us and goes beyond that to appreciation and fondness, we are drawn to them, like a mirror to light. The one who loves us shows us in some mysterious way what is good, excellent, and even beautiful in ourselves. We see that mirrored in their eyes. We can resist the attraction, but it takes great selfishness and a lot of energy – so why do it?
 
This closeness is one of the splendors of the Mass. Jesus lived among us a long while back, was murdered, rose again – and then ascended into heaven while His friends watched. But as He had promised all along, He said he would be with us all days.
 
Well, He is. He is close to us. All the time, of course, in His own Spirit whom He has sent from the Father into and among us. But He goes further – and this is what “receiving Communion” means. Jesus comes close to each one of us because He appreciates with infinite insight and infinite fondness the splendors in each of us, the values in our selves.
 
He doesn’t much care that you show up at the Wedding Banquet of the Lamb dressed in sinners’ slops. Get some of the new wine that He made and a piece of the wedding cake. And join that noisy group of saints over there. The Body of Christ. Amen.