Today I sat at The Grotto on the Notre Dame campus on cold, snowy day and basked in the warm, loving presence of Father God.
When I first walked up to this beautiful, beloved, holy place (My Dad’s favorite), I sought out a bench to regard the vistas, take a few pictures, and begin a conversation with Our Lord.
Everything was as usual. My heart was impassioned and my prayer was fervent, but as I lit 🔥 the candle 🕯 today, something was different. I felt the quiet and everything slowed down. Then it struck me; I was alone in The Grotto, alone with God, and we were sharing a moment. It felt beautifully special, a wrinkle in time He made just for us to enjoy. Many of you may not know this, but on any given Sunday ,The Grotto is usually bustling with activity as people visit the shrine going to and from mass at The Basilica.
Although it didn’t last very long, in that moment we shared, I felt God’s longing for not only communion with me, but with all mankind. God said to me in my spirit; “Stop, stay with me. Don’t move, sit quietly now, I want you to feel my love in every fiber of your being.” I breathed deeply & trembled as Holy Spirit washed over my body. I felt the truth & vibrance of God’s love. It was transcendent.
And then I did something we as humans do all too often. Instead of waiting patiently and letting the sweetness of the bonding run it’s course, I gave in to the overwhelming urge to capture the moment on my camera. And in that split second, the reverie ended, and a throng of people descended upon The Grotto.
I felt unsettled. I felt I gypped myself out of the “full meal deal” with God. But you know something? He was still right there. God guided me to the kneeler adjacent to the candles and said; “Don’t worry, it’s okay. I’m not going anywhere, I’ve got more for you. Kneel down and close your eyes. Don’t say a word and just let me hold you close.” So I knelt, closed my eyes and Holy Spirit washed over me again. In addition, this time I felt the warm, approving smile of Jesus, His hand upon my shoulder. I felt Papa God’s beaming pride in me. I was humbled, quietly kneeling with tears in my eyes, alone with God in a crowded Grotto… perfect.
So today I pray for you and yours to be quiet & still at some point this week, and for you all to bask in the joy and peaceful glow of God’s love. It will rejuvenate, refocus, affirm and renew your spirit. You are treasured, you are important, and you are beautiful in His sight.
And as always, the candle I lit at The Grotto is for all of the prayers and special intentions each of us holds dear. We welcome your requests as a comment on this post. It is our honor to join hearts with you in belief and prayer.
Peace and blessings upon you all. Much love,
Hawk
Life With Love 