Quintessential Marcel

In my next post, I'll fill you in on Marcel's life (on earth) story, but first I couldn't resist sharing the conversation he had with Jesus on this day in 1945. It's just so funny, so sweet, so absolutely Marcel!
First there's a moving colloquy with Our Lord, in which Jesus says something amazing and profound. Then there is Marcel's response: something amazing and incredibly silly. Well, I can't say I wasn't charmed and somewhat convinced, but Jesus' reaction gave me a hint that Marcel might be a little off in his picture of the life of the Holy Innocents in heaven. See what you think . . . 
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Marcel: My dear little Jesus, Monday will be the feast day of your Holy Name. On this subject, I must ask you a question. This name of Jesus, of whom is this name, little Jesus?

Jesus: Marcel, I do not find your question at all difficult; I am happy to answer it immediately. Pay great attention. Write clearly, I am going to dictate each word separately: "The name Jesus is the name of the Spouse of Souls." Is that quite clear Marcel? I wish to choose all souls to be my spouses; that is why I call myself the Spouse of Souls.

Marcel: Little Jesus, today is the feast of the Holy Innocents. I wonder if, in heaven, these little saints are mischievous like children. They must, without doubt, spend all day playing with You. When I go to heaven it is absolutely essential that I ask You to admit me to their ranks. Indeed they have much time for leisure pursuits doing nothing but playing every day without ever working. Moreover they don't have to be afraid that anyone may come to bother them since no one knows their name and their age. So, since I am very lazy, liking only to play, if it happens that someone asks me to intercede for him with You, little Jesus, I will not busy myself and their attempts will fail. If, on the contrary, I am in the ranks of the Holy Innocents I will have all the time to play with You, to be always at Your side and also to tease You freely. Then on Thursdays and Sundays we will have time to go together to see the heavenly countryside, pay a visit to the Blessed Virgin, etc. I will then have everything I could wish for like You little Jesus. It will be very pleasant.

Jesus: Marcel, what it is that you just said that gives me an insane desire to laugh? It is really discouraging; you speak without understanding anything of what you are saying. So, listen carefully to me: in the same way that the Holy Innocents had to suffer death for me, you also will have to die for my love. Because of this, you will be admitted to their ranks . . . 
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Now lest you think Jesus is being harsh with Marcel, let me mention that He frequently reassures Marcel after He has to correct him, "I am not scolding you." And sure enough, only a few moments later in this conversation, Jesus adds, "My dear little brother, I am covering you unceasingly with kisses and I keep my lips forever pressed against your cheek."

If this is what earthly life can be like, I tend to think like Marcel that heaven must be one terrific party, with special events on Thursdays and Sundays. Though I know Marcel does stand corrected in at least one detail of his heavenly tableau: far from ignoring those who ask his intercession, he's known, rather, to be quite the doting brother, quick to hear and quick to respond. Try him yourself and you'll discover how very quickly and effectively he moves Jesus, who loves him and us so much, to act on your behalf!