Adoro Te Devote Series: Barefoot Apologetics
“Jesu! Whom for the present veil'd I see, What I so thirst for, O vouchsafe to me: That I may see Thy countenance unfolding, And may be blest Thy glory in beholding.”
-Saint Thomas Aquinas, Adoro Te Devote
It was my first time taking a boy to Mass with me. I had been seriously considering religious life at the time, and was confident that NO human being was going to stand in the way unless he be the spitting image of “John-boy Walton” himself: bare feet, book in one hand, writer’s notebook in the other...
He didn’t exist, which was good, because I was going to be a nun.
But this boy sitting next to me in the car on the way to Mass? He brought a book with him wherever he went and wrote at least one poem every single day.
Hmmm…2 points for him, I suppose.
But I was about to rack up negative points for myself (or so I thought) as I ungracefully stumbled around my own words regarding the Eucharist. I was telling him that when it came time for Communion, instead of receiving the Eucharist, he could choose to receive a blessing or remain seated. I was so worried he would misunderstand this and feel unwelcome.
“So you believe that is actually Jesus?” he asked.
“Yes, I don’t quite understand it myself. But I just…know.” I winced inwardly. Great apologetics, Haley, that sounded real convincing…
I eyed him carefully, reading his face. Was he also going to judge me for my faith? Was he also going to leave?
He just smiled, and said something along the lines of, “I’m just happy to go with you to one of your favorite places…”
Okay…Another +1 points for him.
How wrong of me to assume that this boy would naturally judge me for my belief in Christ’s presence in the Eucharist…
Because when it came time for Communion, not only did he go up to receive a blessing (staying in his seat would have been -2 points in my book) but he also took off his shoes while doing so. Seriously…walked up the aisle, entirely barefoot.
At first I was a little irritated. C’mon, man, have a little respect.
But when I asked him about it later, he shrugged his shoulders: “Moses took off his shoes when he stood on holy ground. If you all believe that Christ is present in that tiny host, then that makes this holy ground. I guess I should take off my shoes, too.”
And there he was. My barefoot John Boy-Walton. The only man to ever truly have me consider married life.
1000+ points for him.
We are now married, of course.
As soon as we got engaged, he himself signed up for RCIA to learn more about the faith and became fully initiated into the Church within the year.
I remember posting a little blurb on Facebook, expecting a few congratulatory remarks for my soon-to-be husband. And while there were a few, I was surprised to find that we were met with a couple of angry comments from family-friends that were disappointed my husband would “stoop so low” as to practice idolatry…worship Mary…etc. etc. etc. I’m sure you’ve heard it before.
I was no short of shocked.
I remember my youth minister telling us how important it was to know our faith, because at some point we would meet people who would challenge us. I didn’t believe her. But here it was. And, how it did hurt.
So why am I writing this?
First of all, John-boy Walton and I…
Oops.
I mean…Caleb and I…celebrate 7 years of marriage this week, so I’m feeling quite sentimental!
But truly…
I sat down to write out the last email of this Adoro te Devote series, expecting to throw fifty bible verses your way to help you defend Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. But as I asked the Holy Spirit for guidance, I realized that’s probably not what you all need from me right now (considering I’ve been doing so this entire series!)
No, if there’s anything I hope anyone got out of this long email series, it is this…
To be brave and speak about the Eucharist.
And if you don’t quite understand it, to approach it humbly, openly, and reverently like my husband did. (Figuratively…you don’t actually have to take off your shoes)
Or if you are terrible at speaking face-to-face with others like me, then take that random barefoot, non-Catholic boy to Eucharistic Adoration and let Jesus do the work from there.
Talk about the Mass.
Invite others to Mass.
And most importantly, live the Mass.
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” Jn 6: 55-56
Then many of his disciples who were listening said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” Jn 6:60
“As a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer accompanied him.” Jn 6:66
Friends, Jesus looks at us just as he did to the few disciples who remained and asks, “Will you also leave?” Jn 6:67
Don’t just be one of the disciples who stayed. But be one of the disciples who encourages others to stay as well.
As a Catholic artist, I put myself out there. And it’s scary, guys.
Some people can be pretty hateful when they see me painting a picture of Mary.
Most others don’t even listen…or even care.
But some do.
And I’m here to tell you…it matters.
That’s all I’ve got for today, Friends.
I feel partially guilty for NOT overloading you with scripture, so I will be leaving links below if you have some questions about the Eucharist and apologetics.
Links if you want to understand the Eucharist and Scripture a bit more..
Scriptural Defenses for the Eucharist: Written by Jason Evert. I especially love how the author talks about how people did not leave Jesus when he mentioned he was a vine or a door…
The Catechism of the Catholic Church: Particularly the entire section about the Eucharist. Is it scripture? No. But does it include a multitude of scriptural references? Yes, and does it assist us in understanding the scripture, thereby defending words of Christ? 100%
Any book about the Eucharist by Scott Hahn, particularly, Consuming the Word and The Lamb’s Supper
**Disclaimer: I try very hard to make sure the content of these reflections align with Church teaching…but I am still human and fallible (and may need occasional help from my brothers and sisters in Christ!) If you read something in one of my emails that does not align with Church teaching, please let me know! Likewise, when in doubt, seek out more information and contact your parish priest.
