I am continuing to drink in all that is special about St. Mary's, especially now that the archdiocese is trying to reverse its landmark status. There is just so much beauty: So many stained glass windows that change with the play of light, the statues, the very height of the sanctuary, the marble altar. When I was growing up in a frugal household in the North Bronx, the church was the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen and it was a much more modest edifice than St. Mary's. I can only imagine what an impression this church must be making on the children, all of this beauty and the atmosphere of holiness.
Today the arrival of the wise men was celebrated. Father McCarthy delivered a very effective sermon that included practical advice about prayer. He reminded us that we should be engaging in a dialogue with Christ in addition to reciting prayers. He emphasized the 2-way street of dialogue, exhorting us to "Shut up and listen to Jesus." He suggested attending Mass more frequently and reading the Gospels as two ways of listening.
As this was the first Sunday of the month it was time for the special blessing of the children. I enjoyed seeing this large group walk up to stand before the altar, all ages from neonates to late teens.
Today I learned that the stable housing the nativity was built many years ago by Tony, the guy who graciously shares his pew with me. This is one instance of the love and labor that has gone into building this community of faith over the years.
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