Amid the moving and grooving of Gentse Feesten yesterday, I needed quiet.  I retreated to the Carmelite Church on the Burgstraat – one of my two favourite churches in Gent.  (The other is Sint-Salvatorkerk on the Sleepstraat)

I’m not a Christian but I know spiritual when I see it.

I love the statue of Mary and Jesus.  They’ve appeared on these pages before.  The sacred shines from them both.

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a person’s aura.  If I’m not sure, I guess the answer is “No”.  Nevertheless, I know that I’m in the presence of Divinity when I look into certain people’s eyes.  There’s a shimmering that doesn’t seem visible to physical sight but I know.  I am touched.

Yesterday I couldn’t find a spot where Mary and I would join eyes.  It might have worked if I’d stood on the pew.  I’m sure Mary wouldn’t have minded but the local priest probably would have taken issue with my elevation.  Mary and I were together but not quite aligned.

***

Elsewhere in the sanctuary, this young saint welcomed me.  I can’t remember her name.  She probably doesn’t know mine either.

Once again … her eyes and mine.  And once again just slightly off centre.  That’s all right.  We were with each other.

I realize that my most precious moments are when one other human being and I are joining.  All else pales in comparison: the beauties of nature, the thrill of a sporting event, a stunning movie, a fine meal.

My job is to fill my day with such moments, accompanied by flesh-and-blood people … far beyond the wood and stone of statues.  But when I need to, I’ll still search for Mary’s eyes.