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Historically, an umbrella shaded popes when out in the sun ministering to parishioners or simply moving from place to place. The bell is a small reproduction of the one used to announce the pope's arrival in Rome's major basilicas. Now, primarily symbolic, the umbrella and bell sit in cabinets, waiting in the humidity. When Mobile's Basilica was designated, can you imagine the people's excitement? I'm sure they were honored, delighted, and enthusiastic. Were they also hopeful that a pope would soon visit them? Perhaps they imagined the majesty of the occasion and the celebratory mood that would come with such a grand visit. Did they possibly plan elegant meals? Mull over the perfect accommodations? Work out the ideal schedule? Probably. But as the years passed, the excitement dwindled, the umbrella faded, and the pope has yet to visit. But that doesn't erase the meaning, the honor, of the umbraculum. Let's think about our early days of salvation, a rededication, or a promise from God. There is usually excitement, enthusiasm, and even humility in understanding the magnificence of the gift bestowed. But, unfortunately, as our relationship with the Lord continues, we may lose focus. As time passes, we look at some symbol of our promise from God, and we wait. And maybe we lose the excitement that came with it, and perhaps we give up hope that the promise will come forth. But it is crucial to hold on. Is there an excitement with God you need to rekindle? The joy of salvation? The expectancy of a promise? Take some time today to meet with Him. He can remind you of things forgotten. Perhaps you need to write them down or revisit them in a journal where you wrote them earlier. Remember, the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Mobile has been in process since 1835. It is still changing, growing, improving, and we, as children of God, can do so much more than even that.
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