We tend to pay attention to “first-time” experiences, our first love, a first baby, first day of school, a first job, and so on. “Firsts” invite us to look around and see what is happening. A “first time” has within it a finality; there can be only one “first,” yet it is often the “first of many,” the initiation into a continuing, unfolding, repeating experience.
We recently were able to attend our grandson’s First Holy Communion. I think there were many feelings, impressions, and memories filling the minds and hearts of the gathered community. The celebration brought together faith and family, love and commitment. We could feel communal joy, reverence, and goodness. It was so evident how well-loved the young communicants were by their families. To nurture our children into growing faith is the work God entrusts to us.
Our grandson and the other children gathered around the altar. I watched him look all around the sanctuary. There was so much to hear and see, statues, candles, altar, bread and wine, sacred words, light and space – a holy time and place – a “first” encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist, a mystery that will ever console and call to him for all his life.
After Mass, our grandson mentioned that the Communion Host tasted better than he anticipated. Eight-year-olds have refreshing honesty. Sometimes, a simple observation can yield a much deeper insight. His words led us to reflect on how life is richer, deeper, “better tasting” when nourished by the Eucharist. Jesus, in the Eucharist, is gift of Himself to us – food for Life.
“Taste and see that the LORD is good;” (Psalm 34:9a)
“Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” (Luke 24:35)
Jesus assures us, “I am the bread of life.” (John 6:48)
“First Holy Communion” is a momentous happening in a lifetime relationship; the Lord sustains us all along the way. In all the people we encounter, the work we undertake, the relationships we embrace, the promises we keep, Eucharist nurtures our vision and strengthens our loving. We “look around” and see the Lord within our hearts and in all His people – for which we are thankful.
In our family prayer, as we anticipate Pentecost, let us ask the Lord’s Spirit to help us look around and be thankful for all the ways God nourishes our lives.