The Lord Loves the Little Ones

Father Andy Davy, MIC, pastor of St. Mary Parish in Plano, Illinois, also writes poetry. Here, we share some of his work and his commentaries on that work in the latest installment of a weekly series.

For Andrew
(A poem for little souls)

Sun-capped stalks
Glisten with silver firelight,
Awaiting wind's beckon.

The surprise of that invisible hand
Twirling blades by a partner unseen.
His visitation found in the effect
Of love's wake.

The ray of light
And the breath of wind
Find their way
Past towering reeds
Visible to passersby.

Underneath the field,
Lost to the world's gaze
A tiny blade receives
The unexpected first crowning
Of the morning sun,
Caught up to dance
Before the rest,
Innocence drawing forth
A twirl
Of the knowing hand of His breath.

Eucharistic presence
Enveloping the space,
While all others are trying
With comprehending pace,
That Blade gets it first.
Evident as he dances in place.

A sun-capped stalk reflecting
Glistening delight.
He has received his Lord.

This poem brings me back to a vacation with friends whose son Andrew was diagnosed with a severe disability. As I sat on the bluffs of Lake Michigan, I observed a little blade of grass, hidden under the more visible blades, which was catching the light and wind in such a way that it was dancing majestically, while being virtually unknown to the world. Later that day at Mass, I saw my friend Andrew living out that same dancing reality. During the consecration he just rocked back and forth, smiling and crying out non-verbal expressions of joy. Jesus truly filled his soul with Eucharistic delight. Later that fall, our gracious Bishop was able to give me permission to confirm this young man and give him his First Holy Communion. In this first Eucharistic reception, he had the widest smile possible. "He has received his Lord." Some of the most brilliant saints in heaven will probably be those hidden little ones, unseen by the world. "Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Mt 19:14).
SOTE

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