When I was growing up, back in Ireland, there was the custom
of making visits to The Prisoner in the tabernacle. Like all prisoners this
Prisoner welcomes visitors, all visitors.
You do not have to make an appointment, you do not have to be all
dressed up, all one has to do is just enter the doors of the church, chapel, or
oratory. One does not have to be on
friendly terms with said Prisoner. We may not have made an appearance for many days,
months, years, but the welcome is always the same. One may come with a chip on ones shoulder. It
does not matter. What matters is that
you have shown up. No matter what the
disposition of the visitor The Prisoner has the same greeting for everyone.
"It is so great to see you, "come rest in me," and experience
the love that is ALWAYS yours as my beloved daughter/son." I beg you do
not reject My love, but let Me guide you into Its depths.” The Spirit that is
My love will gently guide you there." Again one does not have to earn or
deserve this gift of unconditioned love of The Prodigal Lover, hidden in the
tabernacle of the church and hidden within each person who is also a
tabernacle. People do not always visit one's grandparents but when one does
what a welcome awaits ( I am stealing this from Fr.Holsheiser). There are hugs
and kisses. There is excitement about
the growth that has taken place, and waistlines are completely ignored. Each one is made to feel precious and loved
in their uniqueness. What a sacrament grandparents
are. Now great grandparents are really,
"off the hook.” There are no words
to describe the presence of great-GRAND-parents. Having never experienced the presence of
great grandparents I am completely at a loss for words. (Mark that down!!!)
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