A Few Words About the Word Made Flesh

Last year on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, I had a lot to say about my Lord in the Eucharist (see “The Eucharist and the Lost Lamb”). I’d like to report that I have made considerable spiritual progress in my various deficiencies many of which I trotted out in that bit of rambling. But I can’t say that I have moved forward significantly in surrender, unconditional love, faith during the tough times, and generally knowing that Jesus is not only where I am, but actually wants to be there with me. It’s that old gap between knowledge and belief.

I know God loves me¹—why else would He make such a troublesome being in constant need of course correction? I know, but do I believe?

I know that the Master Planner has a path for me²—a being wise enough to create the universe would certainly not want me wandering around it aimlessly like the proverbial bovine touring the glassworks. I know, but do I believe?

I know that our Supreme Shepherd will seek me out³ when I am touring the tangents, leaving the rest of the flock to chill out; and that rather than giving me a poke with that big sheep sticker, He’ll lift me up, caress me and carry me back to where I am safe. I know, but do I believe?

But the biggest, roughest, toughest piece to wrestle with in my chaotic cranium is that this Creator, who is all in all, complete and perfect, who needs no one and is the very essence of the reality of being and loving, wants me to spend eternity hanging out in His Heavenly HQ⁴. I know this, but do I believe?

What few micrograins of faith that twirl around in my soul, I credit to the fact that I’ve got a Maker who is still on the scene⁵. I don’t mean that God is spiritually present (though I know that He is), but that the body, blood, soul, and divinity of my Lord Jesus Christ is physically present in tabernacles of Catholic Churches throughout the world. I know this. I believe this. That makes all of the aforementioned knowledge really real. Thank you, Jesus for being where I can be with you, and be close to you even when I’m feeling far, far away.

1 Romans 8:38-39, I Kings 8:23, Isaiah 54:10, John 3:16
2 Jeremiah 29:11
3 Luke 15:1-7
4 John 14:2-3
5 Zephaniah 3:17-18a