Iconic Sweet Kisses γλυκά φιλιά

What would it be like to kiss the Lord’s lips?

Would they be soft and tender and taste like sweet manna?

Venerating icons with gentle kisses makes me wonder.

Offering respect and reverence to the One.

Holy Mother Mary gently cradling Christ in Her arms.

As I sit in a pew at church, I watch a boy lifted by his father to kiss the feet of Jesus.

A grandmother offering flowers to the Virgin Mary from her garden of devotion.

Painted with gold flecks of Divine love.

Surrounded by Jesus, Mary, and the Saints,

Each painted icon a vivid window into heaven.

Seeing the remnants of lipstick of many other lovers,

I am giddy that I get to be one.