Hermitage Reflection for March through April 8
Face of Love
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| Hermitage Crucifix |
O Divine Child, Gift of God,
when have I kissed Your adorable Face?
When have I stepped within Your Kingly realm
and known the bliss of Love's pure gaze?
Darkness keeps You hidden.
Yet, with patient silence You await being known
through the mystical dance of Your Will and mine given.
Your Face of Love takes on
- in the Father's Time -
the blood, spittle, sweat and tears
of humanity's crime.
Bend down, Lord, I humbly ask.
May I gaze into Your bruised and swollen Face,
listen to Your pierced, broken Heart,
and feel the pain Your passionate, forgiving Love bore for me.
Lord, that I may see!
That I may know Your Face in the moments of day -
responding with a kiss of "fiat" and not of one that betrays.
Bless me with the joy that flows from the mystic's night of faith.
A bold request, indeed!
But for a mystic's gaze I plead -
that of illusions and delusions I may be freed.
Strengthen me through my soul's maze
where pockets of darkness keep me from seeing You, my King,
- Hope of Life's Spring
and Divine Disturber of my soul's sod -
that in time, like Mary - I may be kissing the Face of God.
Prayer to Our Lady of Tenderness
Below is a prayer composed by Bishop John W. Flesey to Our Lady of Tenderness. United in heart and mind, let us pray together, that hearts across our globe may open to receive the gift of Christ's peace.
Dear Lady of Tenderness,
We live in an angry and violent world. War and terrorism threaten us on all sides. We respectfully turn to you, O Mother of the Compassionate One. We beg your intercession for us, your suffering sons and daughters. Because of the intimate bond you share with your Son Jesus, our Risen Lord, we know you will hear and heed our prayer for help. Ask your Savior Son to pour forth His Peace into our minds and hearts so that we might become one truly holy family united and guided by His Holy Spirit. Amen.~ Bishop John W. Flesey
~ Our Lady of Tenderness, pray for us! ~
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