Jesus knows who we are. He calls us the same as he called the disciples, and he does this constantly. Do we hear him?

During Mass, I sometimes hear him clearly, “What are you looking for?” He asks me… and I look up at the moment of Consecration with expectation. In my impatience, I ask that this be the day that my heart, mind, and soul are gifted with the complete understanding of him who loves us, that I may comprehend his mystery and majesty and see his Kingdom among us with my own eyes… Oh, that I may be perfected in Christ! But it does not happen this way… Instead, during Holy Communion, Jesus gently and lovingly chooses to rearrange little sections of my heart, mind, and soul, and caressing tears flow slowly from my eyes…

Little by little, he teaches me patience. His hand reorganizes my mind and does a bit of housekeeping in my soul. He strengthens my heart. Step by step, over a lifetime, patiently and lovingly, the Heavenly Artisan shapes me. And I hear it again: “Behold, the Lamb of God…”

I look at the Host and hear it in my soul, “What is the rush? Who becomes wise instantly? Who learns to love in just a moment? Just be with me…”

Instantly, I am reminded that love is patient and that wisdom comes from understanding and knowledge. It all takes time, a lifetime even. And I think of the Hebrews, who impatiently waited for the Messiah for centuries and then failed to recognize Christ when he walked among them. Our time together with Jesus is precious; let us recognize it as such.

Let us give Christ the time to continue working on us and slowly transform us. It is for our good.

Let us pray:

Lord, in the Eucharist, we meet you. Sanctify us with your presence in us. Transform us so that we may always be your holy people. Amen.