Every afternoon an elderly gentleman made his way into the parish church, taking a seat in the last pew. Sitting all alone in the back of the silent empty basilica the expressionless man stared straight ahead. After a half hour the attendee would quietly leave, saying not a word.
The pastor could not help but notice this daily sight wondering what was going on. Curiosity got the best of the priest as he asked the stranger if he had a special intention that he was praying for during his daily visits.
The gentlemen responded, “No, I just sit there.” The puzzled face of the priest urged the man to explain further. “You see I just look at the Lord and the Lord looks at me.”
Pretty simple. Like two good friends who don’t need words, the Lord and the gentlemen enjoyed each other’s company!
What did the Lord see? Did the Creator see a piece of his handiwork? Did he see his own image and likeness as he created the man? Did the Lord see his own reflection?
What did the gentleman see? Did he see his Divine heritage? In the quietness did he feel his Divine connection? Did he feel the power, beauty and love that had been handed down?
We can take a lesson from this silent visitor. We can look for this Divinity in ourselves and in others. Yes, we were created in God’s own image and likeness. Indeed we are treasured children of God. And the beauty of it all is that knowing that God is everywhere, we don’t even need a church. Look for the beauty!
Let’s enjoy our family ties. Let’s smile at each other. Let’s take care of each other. Let’s love each other. For sure, we are one big happy family
