For the last four days, I have been unable to meditate in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, so I am sitting outside facing four potted plants of desert roses.
Upon completing my Christian Meditation mantra, “Maranatha,” I open my eyes and gaze at the skeleton-like, almost leafless desert survivors crowned with pink flowers.
Each time, I ask, “What message are you communicating to me?” I received no response, at least so I thought. My only linking thought is the adaptability and preparedness of these resilient plants for the dry season.
I read and reflected on Day 19 of Matthew Kelly’s 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory on the fifth day, entitled “First, Last and Only.” The lesson on this 19th day is “Every time you go to Mass, participate as if it were your first Communion, your last Communion, your only Communion.” The day’s virtue is preparedness, a readiness for death, judgement, and Heaven. At that moment, I became aware that the desert rose plants are the precursor of Kelly’s message that preparedness is essential to celebrating the Eucharist. As the desert rose is prepared for the dry season, we must prepare to celebrate the Eucharist.
The desert rose enabled me to pray, “Since I cannot receive You sacramentally at this moment, I invite You to come and dwell in my heart.”
Beloved Reflections 