The loving glance of Jesus

Rocking chairs, Sacred Heart Church, Tampa FL (Photo by Nancy Ward)

The Mama and Papa Bear rocking chairs in both alcoves at the back of Sacred Heart Church surprised me. As I explored that historic church, the chairs were a welcoming contrast to the hard, straight wooden pews lined up in the main church.

Almost hidden from the congregation and unoccupied at this weekday Mass, the rocking chairs, I imagined, held mothers relaxing in them as they soothed or nursed their babies during Mass.

I was early for Mass, having walked from the conference hotel in downtown Tampa. I paused at the left  alcove where the two rocking chairs sat waiting for me to discover them under a staircase. I named the smaller one Mama Bear rocker because it reminded me of the one I used to rock my babies. It seemed to beckon to me as it waited contentedly next to the taller Papa Bear rocker.

Mary’s companionship

As soon as I sat down in the Mama Bear rocker, tears came to my eyes with momentary flashbacks of many motherhood moments. Almost immediately the scene in my mind changed from sitting with my babies in my lap to sitting beside Mary. Somehow the rocker expanded to fit both of us side by side. Overwhelmed with the emotions of thanksgiving, reverence, privilege and humility that swept over me, I gladly gave in to her unspoken offer of companionship.

I followed Mary’s line of sight over to the Papa Bear rocker and saw Jesus sitting there. He was talking to mothers and fathers and welcoming the children as they climbed on his knees.

Mary and I became observers. No, much more —  privileged confidants. We helped the children take turns, as disciples assisting in his ministry. Somehow, at the same time, we were recipients of his loving message and tender care.

The glance of Jesus

Then he turned and glanced at us. I saw the love in his eyes for his Mother and the same loving glance, although briefly, at me — before he gave his full attention to the next wave of children.

That glance stays with me — love penetrating momentarily, yet lasting forever.

What a scene it was: sitting with Mary at the side of Jesus while he ministered to others. Then came his glance of love and appreciation for us sitting at his side.

Sitting at his side

How do we sit at his side with Mary, while he ministers to those in front of us? Those surrounding us?

Sometimes, like Mary, we bring those around us into his presence Mary by helping God’s children onto his lap. Or at least point them in his direction when they seem to lose their way. We invite them to Mass, Bible study, a day of renewal or retreat.  Or just for coffee. We take the time to sit with them as privileged confidants and listen as they open their broken hearts to us. Then we offer them his compassion. We look into their eyes and hope that they get a glimpse of Jesus loving them intently.

Unexpected glances

We may discover him unexpectedly in someone who tells us an amazing truth about the Lord or about ourselves when we need a word from Jesus. As supportive observers, we look for his glance of love unknowingly coming from that person.

Our Lord wants to connect with us as we work to build his kingdom as missionary disciples alongside him. And, like the experience of the rocking chairs, we receive in that one penetrating glance the encouragement and healing he offers to all his children.

When have you felt the Lord’s presence and seen his love in someone’s face?

Has anyone received his glance of love from your eyes?

(© 2014, revised 2018 Nancy H C Ward)

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Nancy Ward

Nancy Ward writes about conversion, Christian community, and Catholicism. After earning a journalism degree, she worked for the Diocese of Dallas newspaper and the Archbishop Sheen Center for Evangelization, then began her own editing service. She’s a regular contributor to CatholicMom.com, SpiritualDirection.com, CatholicWritersGuild.com, NewEvangelizers.com and a contributing author to The Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion. Now, through her Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story: Tools, Tips, and Testimonies workshops, retreats, book, and DVD, she shares her conversion story at Catholic parishes and conferences, equipping others to share their own stories.

You may also like...

%d