It was one of those quiet, yet beautiful, evenings. I was spending time with Jesus, who was in Blessed Sacrament at my parish’s adoration chapel. In my usual absentmindedness, I didn’t notice there was another woman in the room.

Naturally, I was startled when she approached me.

“I’m sorry,” she said, looking deep into my eyes. “I’d like to see Jesus.”

She noticed my puzzlement and repeated: “I’d like to see Jesus.”

So many questions went through my mind. Did she want to open the monstrance, the vessel that contains the Blessed Communion Host, to physically touch the Eucharist? Or maybe she was asking me to help her see who Jesus really is? Or perhaps she was looking for an image of Christ in the chapel?

“Forgive me,” I said, “but I don’t understand.”

She responded, “I’m sorry; you are praying, but, you see, Jesus wants me sing.”

Finally, I realized she wanted to sing to Jesus. Her face was so peaceful, and her eyes full of love. I smiled and responded, “Of course. I would be honored to be part of your way to praise the Lord.”

She knelt in front of the Holy Eucharist. She took a few deep breaths and then started singing in Spanish. I have never heard this song, nor did I understand the words, yet my heart was filling up with awe and love to our Lord. I felt so blessed by being part of it. She would stop for a minute and then would continue again.

At that moment, I understood what heaven on earth meant. I had this strong feeling of love, unity and peace.  When she finished, we both hugged and cried. “Jesus is with us,” I said, as if it were a new revelation to me. Two women in a simple prayer, filled with joy and peace.

When I reflected about this moment, I realized that this woman helped me see Jesus in her. And I didn’t see Him with my eyes but with my heart. How often I seek Jesus through my reason by trying to “understand,” to figure out my faith. Instead, it should start in my heart.

A priest once told me that it is easier for a woman to feel God in her heart. Just like the Blessed Mother, Mary Magdalene, and other women in the Bible and beyond, they epitomize this unconditional love. It is grace, and we should embody it fully.