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Gretchen Mure Rodriguez

Day 17 Catholic Saints of Old...SO MUCH GLORY!

I've been finding it harder and harder to write something that will make sense! His glory is so present that trying to convey what I experience feels like an impossible task! Here we go...I'll just share some of my pondering thoughts from today....

I was never taught that we could find the same ecstasy of loving God, the way the Saints/Mystics of old did, when I was a young Catholic. I remember walking to church to sit there alone when it was empty because I could feel the Lord's presence. I hadn't been taught that I could find Him outside of religious duty. I didn't know that for those who love Him, we can experience Him just like these Saints. God didn't manifest Himself  BECAUSE they were Saints; He manifested Himself to them because they were people...regular people like us...who loved Him and sought His face. In fact the Bible says WE are saints! 

There are many different ways the Lord comes and manifests His tangible glory. Allow yourself to yield to what particular way His love breathes on you. If His presence comes strong when you sing, then sing! If it comes through dancing-dance! If you sense Him reading your Bible, writing, worshiping...whatever way you sense Him..YIELD to it and enjoy Him! 
There is no formula other than to seek Him and love the Lovely One!

Listen to the words of  Catherine of Siena, one such Catholic lover of God-


I have tasted and seen the depth of Your mystery... You have made of me a new creation in the blood of Your Son, and I know that You are moved with love at the beauty of your creation...

Eternal Trinity, Godhead, mystery deep as the sea, You could give me no greater gift than the gift of Yourself. For You are a fire ever burning and never consumed, which itself consumes all the selfish love that fills my being. Yes, You are a fire that takes away the coldness, illuminates the mind with its light and causes me to know Your truth. And I know that you are beauty and wisdom itself... You gave yourself to man in the fire of Your love.

You are the garment which covers our nakedness, and in our hunger You are a satisfying food, for You are sweetness...




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