Experiencing God by Ginger Browning

I have had several personal and deep experiences of God.  I have heard people say those same words to me in the past and I always thought they were just weird. But it wasn't until He revealed Himself to me in such un undeniable and real way that my faith began to grow deeper.  Sometimes it was through a suffering or a circumstance in my life where I called out for His help and He answered me, other times it was simply through prayer where He answered the questions of my heart.  My favorite moments from God are when He speaks through other people because it is so direct and in a language I understand. I especially love when He speaks to me through my kids.  He uses all kinds of people - even those that seem the most unlikely. He is a good God and He uses everyone and everything to speak to us because He loves us so much.  I had one of those moments yesterday when I popped in to St. Raphaels Church to hear Fr. Zachary give a little 30 minute reflection talk to parents.  The questions of my heart were right there on the surface of my heart and by just sitting for a few minutes to pause and listen, I heard just what I needed to hear.  Holy priests are His amazing messengers and true vessels of Heaven. The topic of the Talk had nothing to do with the questions of my heart but somehow I heard through Fr. Zachary's words and the input of others exactly what I needed to hear to put my heart at ease.  That is God's grace at work.  After a long and exhausting week, just by hearing what God wanted me to hear I suddenly had renewed energy within me and the peace of heart in knowing that I could keep going.

Wounded Heart of Jesus

From our anonymous poet

Behold the cross, on which Love is crucified—

The tree of salvation where Christ suffered and died.

And rest against His Sacred Side pierced by a sword,

From which life-giving blood and cleansing water is poured.

The chest upon which the beloved disciple reclined,

Is the Heart of the Redeemer that so loved mankind.

Jesus, whose Heart for every sinner is opened,

Brings forth a fountain of grace for all who are broken.

In awe, I adore His Heart that spared nothing of itself,

That forgave, renewed, and darkness expelled.

Pierced by a lance that into His Side was thrust,

Torn for relationships that are failed and crushed.

Hidden scars inflicted by sins of hate and vengeance,

Are held in the Heart of Jesus whose mercy is relentless.

With Divine Love there is hope and healing for family and friends,

He binds up the wounded and gives strength to make amends.

Jesus, the Bridegroom, always bound to His Church,

Knows the intent of our hearts that are examined and searched.

And teaches that eternally – faith, hope, and love remain,

But that love is the greatest and covers our stains.

With all our heart, soul, and mind we should love God the Father,

And as He loved us, we should love one another.

By grace, nothing can ever separate us from God’s love;

Victory through the cross and resurrection of Christ seated in heaven above.

In wonder I kiss the cross that for love Jesus came,

To carry our sins, destroy death, and remove our blame.

Grateful that in Christ, He makes us a new creation,

Transforming hearts of stone for He is good and gracious.

I draw near to the Side of Jesus, who is my stronghold,

And commit to following Him and bring mercy to the world.

I pray, my soul to be enkindled with His Spirit and set on fire,

And evermore console the wounded Heart of Christ with burning desire.

Wounded Feet of Jesus

Behold the redemption of mankind—

Jesus, the way through that we may be reconciled.

And lay yourself down at His Holy Feet,

The miracle and the marvel

We have more than one anonymous writer...

My daughter came running towards me, holding both hands tightly over her right eye.  Her face was bright red and wet from crying.  Through her tears, I heard the terrifying word…scissors.  The scissors slipped…

Wounded Hands of Jesus

Posted by our anonymous poet

Behold the sacrifice of the Lamb—

The Son of God, the great I AM.

And hold His Holy Hands that bless and heal,

Pierced for our sins with nails of steel.

The promise of mercy

As we journey towards Easter our hearts begin to be opened to the promise of Mercy.  Pope Francis announced this year to be the extraordinary jubilee Year of Mercy.

But what does that really mean?  What is mercy and how is it practiced? 

Wounded head of Jesus

Posted by our anonymous poet who makes our Lenten journey so meaningful

Behold, the mercy of the cross—

The Blood of Christ poured out to heal us.

First Friday Coffee

 “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

  ~ Luke 6:36

 First Friday Coffee