Just “One” Look

“Just One Look”…….that’s “All it Took!” It’s a title of a song that was co-written by American R&B singers Doris Troy and Gregory Carroll.  The recording by Doris Troy was a hit in 1963.  There were many versions that followed including the one that I remember – Linda Rondstadt remade “Just One Look” for her 1978 album “Living in the U.S.A.”

The title of that song seems to fit so perfectly the content of what I am about to write and share with you.

So go back with me to early Christmas Eve morning on December 24, 2025 for Holy Mass.

 

Christmas Eve Morning

As I entered into the Church – another friend was coming from the opposite direction and we met in the middle!  Hugging and greeting each other with “Christmas Joy”….we just plopped down where we were!  It was not my usual seat or side of the Church and it wasn’t for her either – but we stayed put.   However, another friend came in and asked why were we sitting where we were?  Shrugging shoulders – nobody was moving.

The “questioner” sat behind Margaret and myself and then started taking pictures of the altar.  It was so very beautifully decorated.  As I gazed back looking at the Tabernacle,  my heart was filled with immense joy.  There before me was a huge “heart” that the poinsettias seemed to make on their own. . .or did they?

Bringing that to the attention of our photographer friend….I asked her “do you see what I see?”  Oh yes, she replied, “they didn’t position the flowers perfectly behind the Tabernacle!”

“Oh Yes!  Yes they did!”  With “just one look,” I could see the red flowers and the green leaves tapering down to the bottom of the Tabernacle forming the most beautiful “heart of love.”

Exuding Glee

I smiled to myself because I thought of the “Hidden Child Jesus” enclosed within the walls of gold. He had just pulled off a surprise to unsuspecting parishioners. The image above shows “His glee” and “His extreme love for us!” His “joy” in lavishing upon us “treasures” to be seen by “just one look.”

Yet more was on its’ way! There certainly is a reason for everything. Our God is a God of Details and so where Margaret and I sat was very significant to the moment coming.

Margaret was sitting at the end of the pew where the main aisle is.  Beside her were the “Gifts of Bread and Wine” to be brought up to the Priest celebrating the Mass.  When the time came for this to happen – it seemed nobody was getting up!

Margaret got an elbow in her side and I said, “let’s bring the Gifts up!”  And so we did and that is exactly why I am writing another “unplanned blog” today.

 

One Look – That’s All it Took!

Margaret and I each took the bread and wine into our hands and slowly processed up to the altar to meet the Priest. 

He greeted both of us as he took the gifts and blessed us. I am going to use one of my favorite phrases here and so at that very moment,  “I was blown away!”

When my eyes met his eyes – all I could notice was a sea of “dazzling blue.”  It seemed time had stopped! I had never seen anyone with eyes that color of “blue nor the dazzle!”  They sparkled like stars of light.  I wish I could have more adjectives to explain! I guess I was just surprised that he had “blue eyes” that I have never seen before in my life!

After Mass, Margaret got a grilling.  “Did you see Father’s eyes?”  I went on and on and unfortunately Margaret hadn’t been blinded by “blue.” We parted company and she added that she would be sure to look next time.

Margaret would have to wait – because Father announced after Mass he was going on vacation for two weeks back to his country to visit his mother. . .

 

The Blue Eyed Jesus

When I returned home I couldn’t get those “eyes” out of my mind!  Then I realized that up in our bedroom hangs a picture known as “The Masterpiece” painted by a woman named Bette Myers.  In 1974 she had a near death experience and met Jesus Christ.  I remember reading the story and how Bette did not want to go back to earth!  Jesus gently told her – “Bette, you need to go back to paint your “Masterpiece.”  

Reluctantly, Bette said yes and found herself back here on earth.  Clearly she did not want to return!

Ten years later she was commissioned to paint a portrait for a local dignitary.  Bette went into a deep trance at the time and painted the picture above of Jesus in 135 minutes.  When her son Chuck saw the image – he said, “Mom, that is a Masterpiece!”

When I saw Bette’s painting, I was so drawn to it! I ordered one for myself and two others for friends.  That was years and years ago.  The “Masterpiece” hangs on a wall in our bedroom and Jesus gets a morning and evening kiss every day.

I couldn’t help but think that priest on Christmas eve morning had “those eyes” that Bette painted.

Present Day – Today

I found myself “googling” images of this priest and discussing the whole experience with a dear friend.  I found some pictures of Father, showing him  with “brown eyes.”  I let the whole matter go by for it seemed the flu, viruses and other illnesses converged upon many including myself right after Christmas.

On January 2nd I came down with some sort of virus that took me down for 5 days, however, it soon passed and I was back out again.  Much to my surprise it came back to visit last Friday! I found myself cloistered in our home and missing daily Mass and Sunday Mass.  I was missing Jesus!

So today I was back out for the first time.  I had an early appointment at 10:30 am and was out by 11:50 am.

Could I make Mass in time? It seemed God was on my side and I made every green light straight to the Church.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.  However….I didn’t realize how perfect.  As the door of the Church opened……

Who was coming out?  The Priest with the “dazzling blue eyes!”  Welcome back Father!  He shared that he had just returned from his two week vacation.

Now you know that I was checking out his eyes!  What color are they?  They are “brown!”  

But on Christmas eve morning – THEY WERE DAZZLING BLUE!

Sharing this story with him – he embraced me with a strong and mighty laughing hug!  Yep!  It was Jesus at that altar waiting for Margaret and I to bring up the gifts.  It just took one look!

The Veiled Jesus

I wanted to end this blog with an image of a “clock face.”  Over and over again, I find that “timing” is so important in that “just one look” to truly see and understand.  

I thought of Christmas Eve morning and the “heart shape” poinsettias above the Tabernacle. The location where Margaret and I met each other and sat down right there at that moment.  Bringing up the gifts to the Priest and looking into his eyes.  The “timing” of the meeting with this priest at the door of the Church earlier this morning.

I chose the “veiled Jesus” to post above because there is always a constant “unveiling!”  It’s almost like He’s playing hide and seek with us – those He loves so much . . .which is “all” of us.

He’s all around us and shows Himself in the most sublime ways.  I will never forget Christmas Eve morning and the gift that was received by “bringing up gifts to the Priest.”

I believe Jesus was truly there waiting at the altar for Margaret and I.  He was waiting to be “seen” and He showed Himself through His priest son – how beautiful is that!!!!

Just One Look – That’s All It Took – Let that be an action and a resolution for all of us for this 2026!

Look for Him!

He’s Looking for You

In Every Moment of Your Day

In Every Moment of Your Life

 

©2026 Anita Guariglia

Photo Credits/ Instagram and Pinterest

Sessiondays.com/ “Just One Look”