I had plans to attend a talk at NYU given by the Catholic Artist Society entitled Art and Transformation given by James Reid an accomplished artist. I was going to have dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in the Village, called Toloache. This restaurant served unique, flavorful Mexican food. Tonight, I was determined to try the grasshopper tacos, a delicacy the chef was famous for. The first part of this adventure was to begin at St Anthony of Padua on Sullivan street.
Mark and I were going to confession an mass. As we entered the church it was dark and I could not see the altar. Mark and I went to confession and then as I was praying the lights were turned on by the sacristy. The lights illuminated the altar. Before me above the altar was a magnificent statue of the Blessed Mother handing the baby Jesus to a kneeling, reverent St. Anthony, with his arms outstretched ready to receive the infant. I thought to myself, this is absolutely perfect. Mary held onto the infant and was waiting to see if the arms of St. Anthony would catch her son and embrace him. This is exactly what Jesus does He patiently waits for us to come to Him. The infant’s face was joyous and welcoming wanting and waiting to be received. I questioned how or even if I would welcome Him into my life this Advent.
My heart was full of love and gratitude for Mary’s gift to us. How she loves Him and us. There are many depictions of the Madonna and child but I had never seen one where it was so clearly demonstrated — if we are receptive Mary will bring us to Jesus. This is a powerful lesson especially as we are about to begin Advent. The incarnation is why we celebrate Christmas.
Christ being brought into the world for us. Emanuel after all means God with us and Jesus means God saves. It all began with Mary’s fiat, her yes. Not only did she say yes to giving birth to our Lord; but she said yes to sharing Him with us .All we need do is ask. This is the greatest gift we are given at Christmas.
