"Dad," I
said as our flight home was nearly over, "it was great being on a retreat
with kids and hiking in the Mountains. Thanks a bunch for letting me go."
"May I have your
attention, please? " the pilot asked. We have a short delay, with
instructions to circle over Houston till it's our turn to land. Thanks for
flying with us."
"The Mass we had at the
close of our retreat was the best, Dad," I continued. "It was like Jesus
was right there with us. Well, He really was. Father John said so often
that the bread and wine were changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus, and
that He was truly present. It reminded me of when we were preparing for
First Holy Communion."
Just then the interior
lights were lowered. Now the city was aglow as we circled around. Being
near the window I could see the lights blinking, moving, and spinning off
colors. It was fantastic!
"Wow!" I said aloud.
"Pretty impressive,
isn't it? I enjoy the lights every time I fly at night," dad said. "In
fact their beauty makes me wonder what the Eternal City will be like."
A new thought for
me---the eternal city. Now two of us were wondering. Eternal City---that's
where God lives, I thought. Upon landing, we drove home. I was getting
excited. As we pulled into the garage my dog Ruff jumped all over me. In
fact Mom couldn't get to the door first. It was great to be greeted by a
friend who's overjoyed to see you. I was glad to be home and hear Mom’s
voice again. I missed her.
In my sleep that night I
had a dream that took place in the Eternal City. The memory never leaves
me---at least at times when I'm quiet and prayerful. It seems to light up
like a bulb shining in my heart and rings out as though it were real. I
can't describe the setting. I guess because it wasn't important. Instead,
what amazed me was the Person, the Light of the World, and…just being
there with Him
It all started with
someone saying to me as she gestured. "See that girl over there? Well
she's mentally handicapped and so she can't receive Communion yet. But
we're helping her and it won't be long." The girl appeared to be about
sixteen, and oh, so dainty and attractive. I felt peace within me, just
being quiet. Then... did time pass? Oops, I forgot. There is no time in
Heaven. It seemed like the very next moment, and oh, a wonderful, visible
Presence, Jesus, was there. Since He radiated so much light, I could only
see His Hands; they held the Sacred Host. When He beckoned the young girl
to Him she longingly responded and received the Host, Jesus, into her
heart. This was her first Holy Communion.
