The Light of Your Love (3)

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Dearest Jesus,

Though this day and age is covered in and clouded by so much darkness, let me seek to see and be the Light:

the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much weariness and worry, let me be

the staff of Your Comfort, the scepter of Your Strength,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much extravagance and excess, let me be the garment of Your Poverty, the vestment of Your Simplicity,

the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much disobedience and defeat, let me be the sandles of Your Perseverance, the ring of Your Faithfulness,

the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much intemperance and intoxication, let me be the tunic of Your Temperance, the cloak of Your Sobriety,

the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much impulsivity and impatience, let me be the sash of Your Self-Denial, the cloth of Your Self-Restraint,

the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much injury and insult, let me be

the armor of Your Loyalty, the shield of Your Justice,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much deception and dishonor, let me be

the the torch of Your Honesty, the badge of Your Honor,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much sin and separation, let me be

the sword of Your Spirit, the helmet of Your Salvation,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much egotism and evil, let me be

the robe of Your Majesty, the crown of Your Glory,
the Light of Your Love.

At a time when love seems to be disappearing from the earth and darkness covers the land…Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the World, illuminate me until I radiate You everywhere I go and in everything I do, so that everyone I meet may leave just a little better and brighter by Your Presence shining within me! Let there be Light!

Let there be Love!
Let me be the Light of Your Love!
Amen.

In the Light of Your Love,


Your Sinner, Servant, Soldier, Son…

Little Gregory
Your Beloved One

Verse:

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
When he had said this, he breathed his last.
-Luke 23:44-46

Prayer:

“You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You! (x3)”
-Saint Faustina in her Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul (1319, 187)

Song:


PS- Today’s Image of the Our Lord is the 12th Station of the Cross in Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, painted by Luigi Gregori.

The Light of Your Love (2)

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Dearest Jesus,

Though this day and age is covered in and clouded by so much darkness, let me seek to see and be the Light:

the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much drowsiness and dreariness, let me be the dance of Your Freedom, the jump of Your Joy,

the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much ridicule and rudeness, let me be
the the gaze of Your Goodness, the breath of Your Sweetness,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much impurity and immorality, let me be the freshness of Your Purity, the fragrance of Your Innocence,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much discrimination and dissension, let me be the posture of Your Openness, the arms of Your Acceptance,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much resentment and rejection, let me be the wave of Your Welcome, the wink of Your Kindness,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much pettiness and pride, let me be
the song of Your Greatness, the whisper of Your Littleness,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much ingratitude and impiety, let me be the cheer of Your Thanksgiving, the kiss of Your Devotion,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much arrogance and aloofness, let me be the bow of Your Humility, the genuflect of Your Reverence,
the Light of Your Love.

In these times of so much meaninglessness and misery, let me be the heartbeat of Your Hope, the breath of Your Life,
the Light of Your Love.

At a time when love seems to be disappearing from the earth and darkness covers the land…Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the World, illuminate me until I radiate You everywhere I go and in everything I do, so that everyone I meet may leave just a little better and brighter by Your Presence shining within me! Let there be Light! Let there be Love!
Let me be the Light of Your Love!
Amen.

Verse:
“I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice,
I have grasped you by the hand;
I formed you, and set you
as a covenant of the people,
a light for the nations,
To open the eyes of the blind,
to bring out prisoners from confinement,
and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.”
-Isaiah 42: 7-8 (NABRE)

Quote:
“Today bring to Me the souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life…”
-Jesus to Saint Faustina, in Her Diary Divine Mercy in My Soul (1224)

Song:

PS- Today’s Image of the Our Lord comes from the Last Supper scene in Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ, where Jim Caviezel enacts Matthew 26:26-28, in which Jesus changes bread and wine into His Body and Blood for His disciples to receive:
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.”

The Light of Your Love (1)

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“The Light of Your Love”


Dearest Jesus,


Though this day and age is covered in and clouded by so much darkness, let me seek to see and be the Light:
the Light of Your Love.


In these times of so much discord and division, let me be the face of Your Mercy, the embrace of Your Forgiveness,
the Light of Your Love.


In these times of so much hatred and harshness, let me be the gesture of Your Gentleness, the touch of Your Tenderness,
the Light of Your Love.


In these times of so much lukewarmness and laziness,
let me be the blood of Your Charity, the sweat of Your Zeal,
the Light of Your Love.


In these times of so much hurt and harm,
let me be the tears of Your Healing, the hug of Your Hope,
the Light of Your Love.


In these times of so much doubt and disbelief, let me be
the tongue of Your Truth, the whisper of Your Wisdom,
the Light of Your Love.


In these times of so much skepticism and cynicism,
let me be the of gaze of Your Awe, the gasp of Your Wonder,
the Light of Your Love.


In these times of so much criticism and cruelty, let me be the eyes of Your Understanding, the voice of Your Encouragement,
the Light of Your Love.


In these times of so much individualism and indifference, let me be the feet of Your Service, the hands of Your compassion,
the Light of Your Love.


In these times of so much sadness and seriousness, let me be the smile of Your Peace, the laughter of Your Happiness,
the Light of Your Love.


At a time when love seems to be disappearing from the earth and darkness covers the land…Lord Jesus Christ, Light of the World, illuminate me until I radiate You everywhere I go and in everything I do, so that everyone I meet may leave just a little better and brighter by Your Presence shining within me! Let there be Light! Let there be Love!
Let me be the Light of Your Love!
Amen.


In the Light of Your Love,


Your Sinner, Servant, Soldier, Son…
Little Gregory
Your Beloved One


Verse:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.”
-Matthew 5:14-16 (NAB)


Quote:
“As stars illumine the night, so chosen souls illumine the earth. And the more perfect a soul is, the stronger and the more far-reaching is the light shed by it.”
-Jesus, to Saint Faustina in her Diary of Divine Mercy (502)


Song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQaWF_oEnaQ


Today’s Image of Our Lord is Nathan Green’s “Light of the World” Painting, inspired by Jesus’ words in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but have the light of life.”

You Are Our Child

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“You Are Our Child”
A Poem By Little Gregory
From the Perspective of Mother Mary

Dearest child,


When everything in your life seems to be falling apart
And you need someone, just to hold your heart
Surrender it all to us, little one, from each day’s start
And our wholeness and serenity to you we will impart
For you are our beloved child,
And our Love for You is an ongoing work of art


When your spirits dampen, darken, and descend
And you need someone, just to be a friend
Lean on us, little one, upon us learn to depend
And to your every pain and longing we will tend
For you are our beloved child,
And our Love for you knows no boundary, limit, or end


When the standards of the world make you feel out of place
And you need someone, just to see their smiling face
Smile at us, little one, for an authentic smile is a great grace
And you will experience our warm embrace
For you are our beloved child,
For our love for you is beyond time and space


When your duties begin to taste bitter and sour
And you need someone, just to pass the hour
Yearn for us, little one, with all your power
And in the sweetness of our many blessings you will shower
For you are our beloved child,
And our Love for you is shown even through the smallest flower


When your willpower is waning, withered, and weak
And you need someone, just to hear them speak
Speak to us, little one, and our reply truly seek
And you will find in us strength in the measure you are meek
For you are our beloved child,
And our Love for you is taller than the mightiest peak


When your life feels empty and meaningless
And you need someone, just to restore your bliss
Love us, little one, with all affection and tenderness
And you will feel His brotherly hug and my motherly kiss
For you are our beloved child,
And our Love for you is deeper than the lowest abyss


When the voice of evil drives you insane
And you need someone, just to complain
Draw near to us, little one, in the midst of your pain
And you will be released from the evil one’s every chain
For you are our beloved child,
And our Love for you shall forever reign


When you’re weighted by all you’re trying hide
And you need someone, just to be by your side
Reach out for us, little one, let go of your pride
In our Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, you can always confide
For you are our beloved child,
And our Love for you will forever abide


When trials and temptations fill you with spite
And you need someone, just to make you feel right
Walk to us, little one, by faith and not by sight
And we will give you the courage to fight
For you are our beloved child,
And one day, finally fully united in Heaven as one happy family
Our Love shall be each other’s endless and eternal delight!


In all our Love,
For our every son and daughter,
Mary, your Blessed Mother
And God, Your Heavenly Father


Verse:
“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.”
-Mark 10: 14-15 (NABRE)


Quote:
“Jesus has shown me the only path which leads to the divine furnace of love. It is the complete abandonment of a baby sleeping without fear in its father’s arms.”
-Saint Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church


Song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV2q09FzBAc


PS- Today’s Image of the Holy Family comes from the Statue outside of Notre Dame’s Coleman-Morse (COMO) Building on Bond Quad,
in celebration of the beauty and sanctity of life, marriage, and the family!


This poem was written by me from the perspective of Mary Our Mother and God Our Father. It is the third and final poem in a series dedicated to a extended family member who recently passed away. Please say a prayer for him and his family.


May he rest in peace through the infinite mercy of God,
And may his family be comforted in the time of loss. Amen.

He is Your Father

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“He Is Your Father”
A Poem By Little Gregory
From the Perspective of Mother Mary

Dearest child,

When you find yourself amidst the dark of night
And you need someone, just to hold you tight
Hold onto my Son, with all of your might
And He will illuminate your heart with grace’s pure light
For He is your Father,
And His Love for you always shines bright

When your horizon is covered with fog and haze,
And you need someone, just to look into their gaze
Gaze upon my Son, now and for the rest of your days
And He will lead you to the land of paradise and praise
For He is your Father,
And His Love for you is forever ablaze

When you’re confused about where you should go
And you need someone, just to let them know
Listen to my Son, let your mind settle and slow
And His Dream, His Plan, His Will for you He will soon show
For He is your Father,
And His Love for you from the Cross did flow

When you aren’t sure what exactly you should do
And you need someone, just to be close to
Pray to my Son, do whatever He tells you
And He will place you on the path toward angelic virtue
For He is your Father,
And His love for you is tried and true

When you’re feeling defeated, down, or just plain tired
And you need someone, just to be inspired
Yearn for my Son, Who for you gave up His spirit and expired
And in Him, you’ll find more peace than you’ve ever desired
For He is your Father,
And His Love for you demands to be adored and admired

When the harsh words of others cut you to the core
And you need someone, just to rub where it’s sore
Believe in my Son, His goodness, compassion, and kindness implore
And you will experience His healing all the more
For He is your Father,
And His Love for you can’t help but be admired and adored

When discouragements and distractions start to prod and poke
And you need someone, just to take upon your yoke
Touch my Son, even just the hem of His cloak
And in His joy and laughter you will soon soak
For He is your Father,
And His Love for You is not a joke!

When your conscience is full of guilt and shame
And you need someone, just to say their name
Say the name of Jesus, His infinite mercy ask for and acclaim
And He will purify your soul like gold in a flame
For He is your Father
And His Love for you yesterday, today, and tomorrow is the same

When you’re looking back on your deathbed
And you need someone, just to hold your head
Remember my Son, and all the Blood He shed
That one day by His Body you might be daily fed
For He is your Father,
And if you truly trust, then do not be afraid…
His Love for you will raise you from the dead

In all my love, and the love of My Son,
Mary, Mother of God
And Your Mother, my little Beloved One

Verse:
“For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself does, and he will show him greater works than these that you may be amazed.”
-John 5:20 (NABRE)

Quote:
“My Heart overflows with great mercy for souls, and especially for poor sinners. If only they could understand that I am the best of Fathers to them and that it is for them that the Blood and Water flowed from My Heart as from a fount overflowing with mercy. For them I dwell in the tabernacle as King of Mercy. I desire to bestow My graces upon souls, but they do not want to accept them.”
-Jesus to St. Faustina in her Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul (367)

Song:

I Am Your Mother

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“I Am Your Mother”

A Poem By Little Gregory

From the Perspective of Mary


Dearest child,


When your world feels grim and grey,

And you need someone, just to hear them say:

Trust in God, and everything will be okay

I will come to you, my child, without delay

For I am your Mother,

And I love you in every way


When your spirit is scarred by hurt and fear

And you need someone, just to be near

Call on me, my child, and I will appear

I will bind all your wounds and dry every tear

For I am your Mother,

And my love for you is always here


When your soul is haunted by evil and sin

And your need someone, just to listen

Open up to me, my child, let the light in

And I will be by your side to lift up your chin

For I am your Mother,

And my love for you burns without and within


When your mind is clouded by anger and doubt

And you need someone, just to hear you shout

Call out to me, my child, don’t be afraid to let it out

And I will show you what my Son is all about

For I am your Mother,

And my love for you radiates within and without


When your being seems to be shackled and bound

And you need someone, just to hear their sweet sound

Pray with me, my child, and your freedom will abound

For your cause I will intercede, your plea I will resound

For I am your Mother,

And my love for you is all around


When your hearts feels lifeless and cold

And you need someone, just to behold

Call upon me, my child, have faith, be bold

Your cares I will take, your hand I will hold

For I am your Mother,

And my love for you is untold


When your work seems to take too much of a toll

And you need someone, just to lift you from the lull

Cry out to me, my child, from the depths of your soul

And I will come to comfort, calm, and console

For I am your Mother,

And my love for you is whole


When your cross becomes too heavy to bear

And you need someone, who will truly care

Look to me, my child, and be aware

Through the power of my Son, I will be there

For I am your Mother

And my love follows you always and everywhere


When things are going unfavorably

And you need someone, just to simply be

Say my name, my child, and you will see

That I am your Mother, Your Mother Mary

And my love awaits you now and for all eternity


In all my love, and the love of My Son,

Mary, Mother of God

And Your Mother, my little Beloved One


This poem is dedicated to a extended family member who recently passed away. Please say a prayer for him and his family…

 


“Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, let perpetual light shine upon him, and may he rest in peace, through the infinite Mercy of God. Amen.

Verse:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.


-Psalm 34:15, (NIV)

Quote:

“I saw the Mother of God, unspeakably beautiful. She said to me, My daughter, what I demand from you is prayer, prayer, and once again prayer, for the world and especially your country… always and everywhere, at all times and places, day or night, whenever you wake up, pray in the spirit. In spirit, one can always remain in prayer.”
-St. Faustina’s Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul (325)

 

Song:


PS- Today’s Image of Our Lady comes from the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes at the University of Notre Dame, 1/8th the size of the actual Grotto where

If Your Love Were the Sea

“Letters to the Lord”
February 16th, 2018

Dearest Jesus,

If Your Love were the Sea
My heart would be but a drop
Immersed in Your Mercy to the depths
Yet released in Your Freedom to the top

If Your Love, O Lord, were a Furnace
My soul would be but a spark
Burning with the Light of Your Joy
Yet glowing in the dark

If Your Love, O Lord, were a Meadow
My spirit would be but a flower
Shrinking before Your Glorious Majesty
Yet growing by Your Omnipotent Power

If Your Love, O Lord, were a Body
My body would be but a cell
Working with Zeal for all to be saved
Yet resting in the Peace that all is well

If Your Love, O Lord, were a Mind
My mind would be but a thought
Contemplating all that You are
Yet realizing all that I’m not

If Your Love, O Lord, were a Symphony
My personality would be but a chord
Singing of all Your many wonders
Yet speechless that You are my Lord

If Your Love, O Lord, were Eternity
My existence would be but now
Moving a million miles a minute
Yet staying perfectly still somehow

If Your Love, O Lord, were Infinity
My everything would be but one
Coming closer and closer to Completion
Yet further and further from being done

If Your Love, O Lord, were the whole Universe
My life would be but a single star
Shining apart from all others
Yet showing them each Who You are

If Your Love, O Lord, were the Cross
My being would be but a shred
Sinking into the Blood of Your Passion
Yet rising with You from the dead

If Your Love, O Lord, really is all mine
My Love, in turn, is all Yours
Inseparable and Invincible we shall be
Here on earth and soon along Heaven’s shores

O Lord, Your Love for us is like the Sea
And for every last little drop You yearn
For through Love we all come to be
And to Love, we are all destined to return

Amen

Yours through, with, and in Love,

Your Sinner, Servant, Soldier, Son…
Little Gregory
Your Beloved One

Verse:
“As the Heavens tower over the earth, so God’s love towers over the faithful.”
-Psalm 103:11 (NAB)

Quote:
“I can feel the bottomless abyss of my soul, and nothing will fill it but God himself. I feel that I am drowned in Him like a single grain of sand in a bottomless ocean.”
-Saint Faustina, Diary of Divine Mercy (343)

Song:

Today’s Photo of Our Lord, entitled “Walking on Water” was painted by Julius Sergius von Klever

PS- Here is a personally handwritten copy of “If Your Love Were the Sea”…Enjoy! 🙂
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Little Acts of Love

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“Letters to the Lord”
February 13th, 2018

Dearest Jesus,

Open the eyes of my heart to see all the many opportunities for little acts of love that You will sow throughout my day ahead. Indeed, every moment is ripe with new chances to practice virtue, from simply offering a warm smile to a stranger, to earnestly saying a short prayer for a friend, to merely picking up a piece of trash on the ground… And if done through, with, and in Love, even the smallest of these seemingly insignificant sacrifices can secretly and silently, mystically and miraculously transform the world. Though I may not see them take root here and now, one day in eternity I will surely be shown all the boundless beauty that blossomed forth within my soul and the souls of many others because of these little seeds of love. For You Who multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed the thousands shall never let any of my good deeds go unnoticed, unrewarded, unfruitful. Thus, my Lord and my God, allow me to grow in giving You and others just a little more of me: a little more cheerfulness…a little more tenderness…a little more openness…a little more love. Planted in the center of Your emblazoned Heart, these little seeds shall sprout up, spring forth, and spread out- even unto the ends of the earth- and through Your enamored Eyes, their nothingness shall come to mean everything.

In the Everything that is Your Love,

Your Sinner, Servant, Soldier, Son…
Little Gregory
Your Beloved One

Verse:
“Your every act should be done with love.”
-1 Corinthians 16:14 (NAB)

Quote:
“Only love has meaning; it raises up our smallest actions into infinity.” 
-Saint Faustina, Diary of Divine Mercy (502)

Prayer:
Jesus, I love You!
Let me love You more and more every day
through all the little things I do, think, and say.
Amen.”

Today’s Image of Our Lord is an Eastern Orthodox Icon titled, “Christ the True Vine” which was inspired by Jesus’ words in John 15:5

Come Home

“Letters to the Lord”
February 3rd, 2018

Dearest Jesus,

After Communion, I heard the deep calling of Your Love within me, ever so sweetly exhorting me:

“My child, My little beloved one, whom I relish in more than all the beauty of Heaven and Earth, come to Me. Come, and enter into the deep refuge of my Love. Rest on my Heart, which burns for you, churns for you, yearns for you. Look into My eyes, teary with longing, and embrace your King, your Creator, your Father. Come My child, for here and now, you are safe and sound, entirely immersed in My Mercy, which forgives even the littlest movements of your heart away from Mine and cleanses even the deepest, darkest stains of sin. Apart from me, you are empty, lifeless, cold. Yet united to Me, as you are now, you are full of peace, full of joy, full of grace, full of love. Come, My Beloved Soul, Apple of My Eye, Joy of My Heart, Masterpiece of My Hand…Come to Me…Come Home.”

Amen. Oh, Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all Love, though the day ahead may be moving a million miles a minute, allow me just this little while to really and truly be with You. To be still and know that You are God, that You are here, with and within me, and that whatever I do today or wherever I go, with You, I am whole.
With You, I am Home.

In Your Tenderness and Love,

Your Sinner, Servant, Soldier, Son…
Little Gregory,
Your Beloved One

PS- Today’s Image of Our Lord is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, revealed to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673. In her own words, “May faith be the torch which illuminates, animates, and sustains you.” And don’t forget to say this short, powerful prayer:
“Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You!”

Love Endures All Things

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“Letters to the Lord”
January 30th, 2018


Dearest Jesus,

Let me never complain again, but in all painful circumstances that may befall me for the rest of my life, from hunger to sickness to annoyance to sacrifice, let me deeply meditate upon Your Passion in all its most excruciating blows, beatings, bruises, whips, nails, piercings, and wounds, and yet Your patient love and gentle compassion for Your beloved creatures through it all. By Your Cross, I shall be strengthened to embrace all my life’s little crosses, and thus become more and more everlastingly formed into Love Itself. For truly, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:7-8).

Through Love, With Love, and In Love,

Your Sinner, Servant, Soldier, Son…
Little Gregory,
Your Beloved One.

PS- Today’s Image of Our Lord is the Divine Mercy, in which was Jesus revealed Himself to Saint Faustina…in a gesture of blessing, not punishment. Marked with the insignia, “Jesus I Trust in You,” it reminds us that no one should have any fear in trusting God, for He is Love and Mercy Itself (1074). In her Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, Jesus even says, “The greater the sinner, the greater the right he has to My Mercy (723)” and also, “I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish (48).”