Last weekend, I had an hour to spare with Maceo before Cassius came back from spending the morning with Grandpa. So, I thought it would be good to explore the basilica in our neighborhood that we pass by many times each week but have never explored before.
Maceo and I entered through the ground level of the basilica and what this offered was a slow introduction to the numerous and smaller statues and mosaics of Jesus and Mary as we made our way up to the first and main floor of the cathedral. Everything seemed to pique his interest. We made wishes with pennies in a small fountain with a statue of Mary and when we came to the candles that one can light to offer a prayer, he seemed excited to go through the ritual. (Author/parent's note: I'm about 99% sure it was the prospect of lighting a match and not a deeper sense of piety that drove this request). I explained to him, before we lit the candle, that he could say a prayer for someone or something that was on his mind. We lit the candle, he very solemnly, and when I asked him what he prayed for he shared that he wanted to celebrate his great behavior he had all week according to his teacher.
After we lit the candle, we turned down the long hallway that leads to the pulpit. Behind the pulpit is a 3-story tall mosaic Jesus that mesmerized Maceo. And this is our conversation at that point:
Maceo: Who is THAT?! Is that Jesus?
Kate: Yes, it is.
Maceo: Is he stronger than me?
Kate: Yes, he is. He is also older and has had more time to become strong.
(Pause from Maceo).
(Still pausing).
Maceo: What would Jesus do if I punched him in the face?
