This title is a famous line of Matthew Kelly who is convinced that many things about Catholicism are sheer genius. Last Sunday’s Eucharistic procession was a good example of this genius. The Spirit of God touched my heart in ways I did not expect, and I’m sure She touched the hearts of many other participants and spectators.
As the police car stopped the traffic on Malley St. for us to cross, I thought of the priests who bore the Ark of the Covenant into the Jordan River while the water stopped flowing and God’s people passed over on dry land into the Promised Land (Joshua 3: 14-17). Children wearing their white First Communion dresses and suits joyfully followed the cross down the Highline Canal Trail followed by white-robed altar servers with flaming torches and bells ringing. Then came the canopy staunchly held by Knights of Columbus in full regalia. Under the canopy I held the golden monstrance slightly above my head from which our Eucharistic Lord reigned over the procession. A thurifer walked backwards swinging incense towards the Lord as a crowd of pilgrims followed carrying a statue of Mary and praying the rosary.
We were a rather unusual sight, to say the least, as we entered into the Sunday afternoon activities of E.B. Rains Park. “Is the Pope coming?” someone asked? Some made the sign of the cross and bowed or knelt down. Skateboarders dismounted and stared. Others were heard barking like dogs as if trying to protect their territory from the invading holy light. But God’s people kept on walking and praying as we approached the first altar for adoration and benediction.
As Fr. Tadeusz carried the monstrance to the second altar, a flock of Canadian Geese plunged into the lake beside us and paddled their way along the shore keeping pace with our procession. “All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voices, let us sing: Alleluia!” (St. Francis of Assisi). Hymns were sung, Scriptures were proclaimed, and prayers were raised with incense as we made our way around the park. Some who gazed with wonder knew that it was all about the Lord shrouded in gold beneath the canopy. Others were struck by the wonderful diversity of the crowd singing to the melody of the flute and joyfully united as the Body of Christ.
I was struck by the regal simplicity of this Eucharistic Procession. We were simply walking around a park with our Lord. Yet, as His living Body, we encircled the park with light. “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). I felt a love welling up within me for our Lord and for all the pilgrims who courageously proclaimed their Faith through this procession. I wanted to hug them all! But since I was once again holding the monstrance, I tenderly drew near to our Lord, resting my head upon His heart. I felt so protected under that canopy as I carried the Lord of the Universe. I felt so blessed, then and now, to be surrounded by the members of His Body as we journey to the Promised Land.
May our parish family be like a Eucharistic Procession that is open-ended. May we catch the attention of the world with our love, joy and beauty. May we reach out and invite our neighbors to join in our pilgrimage to heaven. For “there’s genius in Catholicism,” and it’s meant to be shared.