We arrived at the monastery aroung 12 noon. We had our lunch, simple but filling. Then, we all went to our rooms for siesta. My room was still locked so I went around. I investigated the image that welcomed us when we entered the gates of the monastery.
In front of the Carmelite Monastery is the statue of Our Lady with two angels guarding her. Mary was holding Jesus at her side while giving the scapular. I tried to meditate on the image by standing in front of it. My attention focused on the hand of the boy Jesus.
This is the hand that Mary caressed while in Bethlehem. This is the hand that tried to help Joseph in putting pieces of wood together This is the hand that waded on the river Jordan during the baptism by John. This is the hand that healed a leper, touched the tounge of a mute, gave life to the dead, stopped a coming storm, encouraged children, and forgave sins. This is the hand that carried the cross; the hand that was wounded; the hand that was nailed on the cross. This is the hand that showed the scar of crucifixion even after the resurrection. This is the hand that bore the proof that he is Jesus, and he is alive.
I reached out and held Jesus' hand.
