Description
The overwhelming beauty of a monstrance, all in gold and silver and precious stones, glinting under the light, all of it, is to focus our attention, point our eyes to that tiny, simple, circle of bread.
But it is this bread, the Eucharist, that shines forth the heart stopping, knee dropping power.
Not a question about it.
When God gives you the grace to understand His presence in the Eucharist, everything fades away. There’s just you and Him and He is glorious. His power palpable, His might is known.
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Inspiration for this image came from the St. Patrick’s in Dixon, IL. It was February, like all my church tour days, it started around 5am so I would make it to all the morning Masses at these churches over an hour away from me.
I had woken up late, and had to change my plan because I was already too late to make it to St. John Cantius in downtown Chicago. Blurry eyes, but determined to go on a tour, I consulted my map and decided on St. Patrick’s in Dixon, St. Mary’s in Oregon, and St. Andrew’s in Rock Falls.
I was lucky (#theHolySpirit) and the day started with adoration, so there was no pressure on time and all I had to do was be.
There’s nothing inherently wow about the photo I took that is the reference for this painting. The monstrance is in a plain nook, recessed in a simple wood box that could be closed if there are no adorers in the chapel.
But the presence. That monstrance, surrounded by modern simplicity was so powerful. The evangelists around the Host, the silver and gold combination with glittering rubies. And when you kneel before Jesus, the Host is elevated just perfectly so you feel the encounter with your King. All power, authority, and might shines out, and you become aware of your status as subject. And yet at the same time it’s the comforting presence of the Father. Sitting at the feet of your father and listening to all he has to say.
It was the perfect start to the day,
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