Hands of Hope
My First Communion
I love it when little children come to the communion rail on Sunday.
Some come to receive the sacrament while others come for a blessing. Occasionally, as was the case yesterday, one will come with an expression of joyful anticipation, but the mother or grandmother signals to me to pass him by with the chalice. With hands open and disappointment spreading rapidly across his face, he stared into my eyes and all I could offer was a smile and a prayer.
Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs." And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. - Mathew 19:13-15
The little boy whose eyes pleaded for an explanation I failed to give was whisked away by grandma, but the impression stayed with me, and now continues to prey on my mind.
I was raised in a different tradition, where one needed to be prepared to receive the sacraments in a joyous celebration of young children receiving their First Communion together.
In the Episcopal Church, all baptized Christians may receive, even though in some churches which remain very traditional, children do not receive until after they are Confirmed, which is around age 12 or 13.
It makes my job easier if no one comes to the rail unless they are ready to receive, but that would deny all who come for a blessing or to feel the hands laid upon them by their priest.
What I failed to do yesterday was use the moment. By passing by and saying nothing, I left the boy confused, as though he had done something wrong.
Anything I do or say after that moment will have less of an impact.
Like the disciples, I failed to understand how important it is that every child believe that it is right and wonderful to come to Jesus and accept his presence in their lives, whether their parents feel they are ready or not.
I will need to pray about this one.
More to come...