My eldest daughter received her First Communion alongside three friends this weekend at the Oratory of St. John Vianney in Madisonville. In the weeks leading up to the sacrament, my daughter anxiously waited, wavering between excitement and nerves. On the eve of the big day she sat on the edge of my bed first thing in the morning and told me she didn’t think she was ready. I was immediately transported back to the day before my Confirmation when I sat in the front seat of my dad’s car and told him the same thing. And I told my daughter what my dad told me, “That means you are ready.” Her humility told her that she was not worthy. Her humility told me that Jesus was already working on her heart, preparing her to receive Him.

We arrived at the oratory early Sunday morning. The church was clean, bright, and welcoming, although clearly in the midst of renovation. A replication of a nineteenth-century painting of St. John Vianney adorns the sanctuary walls while the antique altar piece from a decommissioned church in the Netherlands sits patiently waiting installation. From the pulpit, Fr. Alex Dugas told us that he is waiting less than patiently for the renovation’s completion. In fact, he admits that the renovation process has reinforced how impatient he can be. He wants the church restored now. He wants more people inside the Church now. He wants all people to know and receive Jesus in the Eucharist now. 

Impatience. It’s a common fault. One I’ve experienced almost daily as a mother of five. A fault I’ve brought with me to the confessional repeatedly. Impatience, Fr. Dugas explained, reveals our mistrust of God’s timing and blinds us fromrecognizing God’s hand in the present moment. But God’s gift of the Eucharist is where we can reliably find Jesus. Jesus’ own disciples did not recognize Him walking at their side on the road to Emmaus, but when He broke bread with them at the end of the day, their eyes were opened. Communion with Him is a way for us to be in touch with His divine timing.

Fr. Dugas gave the young first communicants two challenges. First, to remember the date of their first Communion so that they may remember to receive Jesus in the Eucharist each year on the anniversary. And the second challenge: to recognize—like the two disciples finally did on their journey to Emmaus—that when the Eucharist is elevated in consecration, they look upon Jesus himself. To remember, know, and believe that the source and summit of all they hope for is right there, always waiting for them, patiently.