Sunday Reflection – 1 December – ‘You were not nearer to the Blessed Virgin … than You are to me…’

Sunday Reflection – 1 December – The First Sunday of Advent, Year A and the Memorial of Bl Charles of Jesus de Foucauld (1858-1916) Martyr

Lord Jesus, You are in the Holy Eucharist.   You are there a yard away in the Tabernacle. Your body, Your soul, Your human nature, Your divinity, Your whole being is there, in its twofold nature.   How close You are, my God, my Saviour, my Spouse, My Beloved!

You were not nearer to the Blessed Virgin during the nine months that she carried You, than You are to me, when You rest on my tongue in Holy Communion.   You were no closer to the Blessed Virgin and St Joseph in the caves at Bethlehem, or in the flight into Egypt, or at any moment of that divine family life, than you are to me at this moment – and so many others – in the Tabernacle.

Mary… was no closer to you when she sat at your feet at Bethany, than I am here, at the foot of this altar.   You were no nearer to Your apostles when you were sitting in the midst of them than You are to me now, my God.   How blessed I am!

(Bl Charles was martyred 103 years ago today, 1 December 1916)