How Do I Adore Thee?

The young woman at the foot of Jesus inspired me yesterday...

Causing me to ask: "How Do I Adore Thee?"

She came from the back of the church, slowly shuffling down the aisle on her knees.

The soft brush of her pants against the carpet signaled her advancement.

As the shuffling grew louder, she drew closer.

She moved past me.

 All the while, her gaze was locked on Our Lord, there on the altar.

I was sitting near the front reading Morning Prayer from my Magnificat.

I couldn't resist a continuous glance up from my prayer.

Keeping her eyes fixed on Him, I witnessed a beautiful love story.

Though I must admit that I felt a bit like Martha,

busying myself before the Lord,

my desire to love increased with each passing moment.

With each glance, I was infected by this contagious devotion.

A prayer swept over me:

"Lord, praise and bless this woman who loves You so deeply.

Praise her more than me.  Oh yes, Lord, praise her more than me."

Was I feeling inadequate for being Martha instead of Mary?

Maybe.

But only I placed that burden upon myself.

I didn't feel less loved but I questioned my own sense of loving in return.

How Much Do I Adore Thee?

How much do I love God so that I can better love others?

I sat in silence after the young woman left, pondering these questions in my heart.

Penetrating through the depths of my spirit, I heard:

"Come closer, my child."

Practically leaping from the pew, I rapidly moved toward the altar,

kneeling before Jesus, beckoning from the Blessed Sacrament.

Fixing my eyes on Him, my heart followed.

Silence and peace filled my soul as I repeatedly heard:

"Come closer, my child...draw near."

I realized later that the busyness of every day life pushes me to the periphery of the spiritual life, leading me to adore Jesus from a distance.

This changed as an infusion of love surged from the monstrance,

shifting my love from arm's reach into a loving embrace.

Like the inspiring young woman, He desires that all of us come closer,

continually drawing near.  There are no exceptions.

He is waiting and beckoning for us all to desire Him as He desires us.

Only then can we begin to love.

I am full of praise for the Mary that drew this Martha a little closer...

Lest I slip back to love at arm's reach,

I must continually ask myself:

"How Do I Adore Thee?"