Meditation in Aisle Five

by Chris Koellhoffer, IHM   May 8, 2026

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the seemingly mundane activities of our seemingly ordinary lives. I say “seemingly” because every moment of every day is bursting with grace, which makes each day already extraordinary. When we’re living with awareness, when we’re in a space of noticing, we can be bowled over by what the Holy One puts directly in our line of sight, spotlighting spaces where our presence and attention are most needed.

For many, one of the seemingly ordinary activities of everyday life is a trip to the farmers’ market or the supermarket. There Rachel Naomi Remen’s observation speaks loudly, for she notes that, “The way in which we go to the grocery store may tell us everything about the way in which we live a life.”

I know what I look like when I go shopping for food, but I’ve been wondering, what might it look like when Jesus moves through the store? Although I can’t locate a Scripture verse that mentions him browsing Wegmans or Shop Rite, I’m rather certain I’ve encountered Jesus in several aisles. How about the weary mother pushing toddlers in their specially designed “car” cart, patiently returning the snacks they’ve grabbed off the shelves? And wasn’t that the Holy One just now longingly eyeing a lemon bar in the bakery case, then reluctantly remembering he can afford only essentials this week?

I suspect the produce section might be one of Jesus’ favorite areas, and surely, we’ve met him there. Surveying rows of juicy lemons and crisp Romaine, bags of shallots and sacks of potatoes. Taking in every bit of signage that proclaims the bounty of the Creator. Standing still and in awe before a kaleidoscope of color and variety. Pausing to read labels from around the world, mindful of farmers whose crops are flooded, or migrants whose aching bodies have harvested delicate strawberries by hand, or hungry families struggling to stretch every dollar.

Jesus moves mindfully through the store, making way for those who replenish shelves, steering his cart with care, blessing the work of human hands and hearts. Down every aisle he navigates and around every corner he turns, he carries peace and offers loving presence. He invites us to do and to be the same.

You’ll have to excuse me now because I just spotted the Holy One in the bakery section. It appears there’s a crumb bun involved, and so, of course, it’s my discernment that I must head over there. And yes, right now!

Takeaway
Sit in stillness with the Holy One.
You may want to reflect on the gift of God’s abundance
OR take a leisurely trip to your local farmers market or supermarket.
However you pray, consciously embody the presence of the Holy and share the divine with everyone you encounter this day.

Featured Images: Viki Muhamad, Unsplash; Jess Torre, Unsplash

NOTE:
May 8-14
Thank you for your continued prayer for all who are part of a directed retreat at Mercy by the Sea in Madison, CT, in process.

May 18-25
Please also remember in your prayer all who will be part of a directed retreat at Villa Maria by the Sea in Stone Harbor, NJ. I’m serving as a guest director for both of these May retreats. Thank you!

Mother’s Day
In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 10. But really, every day is an invitation to express profound gratitude to all mothers, grandmothers, and everyone who nurtures, supports, forms, and cherishes the young and not so young. Blessings!

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