The Midful Lawyer at Church

As I practice mindfulness I am becoming ever increasing aware of my surroundings. At church yesterday, I was sitting waiting for Mass to begin. IT was a sunny day, and I was drawn to the stained glass windows of the church. I usually sit in the front pews so I can admire the windows. The sun was brightly shining through the windows. There is a window depicting the Annunciation, that is one my favorites. The morning sun shines in such a way that the light radiating from the angel Gabriel is brilliant and heavenly. How effective the depictions of the Bible and Saints are. I see how important they were in teaching the Parish their faith when not everyone read, or had access to a Bible.
For some reason today I sat in the back, and during the Consecration, I looked up and I saw the stained glass window of Jesus. He was surrounded by lambs, and was holding one in a profound embrace. His gaze followed me. I felt His presence and heard His call.
I have been in St. Ann’s a thousand times and never really “saw” that window before. As I prayed, I envisioned myself as a lamb who Christ was gathering into His care. I heard the lyrics of one of my favorite songs, “Someone to Watch over me”, experiencing it in a new way. It is telling that it was writing by Ira and George Gershwin who were of the Jewish faith. No doubt the song and lyrics were divinely inspired. I do not know why I was surprised; that is how the Holy Spirit works.
The words that always captivated me the most were, “I am the little lamb who is lost in the wood. I know I could always be good to one who’d watch over me.” The someone was staring right at me. He was always there, I just never paid attention. Inspired, I began to really look around the Church. What else was I missing? I stopped at the Tabernacle. Did I really reverence the Blessed Sacrament? The Lamb who sacrificed Himself for me was right there always.
My gaze next went to the Blessed Mother, and I wondered how many times I did not think to ask Her to bring me to Jesus. Then I heard, “Mary had a little lamb His fleece was white as snow, and everywhere that Mary went the Lamb was sure to go.” This was another gentle reminder and whisper of the Holy Spirit. Jesus through Mary. Nursery rhymes were used to teach children the catechism, especially during the Protestant reformation when Catholicism was banned. They were very effective and evidently still are. The Spirit would never allow her to be forgotten, and He reminded me of it once again.
I received so much just by coming to Church earlier than usual, and sitting with the Lord, being ever mindful of His presence.