Author: Valerie Parisi

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Be Merciful To Me A Sinner

“How good of You to come! Truly, You do not despise me. Because I am a sinner, You double Your strength in me. What goodness, what limitless compassion You have for a repentant sinner.” For a long time, I gave thanks for His infinite mercy. (Elizabeth) (November 22, 1962)

Today’s Readings: But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18)

Prayer Meditation- Lord today we hear at Mass about the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee praises himself with his laundry list of spiritual practices. Those of us who strive to follow You can easily fall into the same fault if we are not careful- Rosary, check, Fasting, check, Daily Mass, check. It means nothing without love. Lord let us come to You like the tax collector, fully aware of who we are and who You are. You are God and we are not! Let us come with all our faults and failures because what limitless compassion You have for a repentant sinner. Even spiritual pride is deadly- Lord may we always bring humble and grateful hearts to You because only You can fix what is broken in us!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Saturday of the Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

No Condemnation in Him

‘My little one, I want that not one soul be damned. You should want this together with me. For this purpose, I place in your hands a beam of light that is the Flame of Love of my heart.”

 (Mary ) (January 14, 1964 )

Today’s Readings: Brothers and sisters:
Now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus
has freed you from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, sometimes we just don’t want to believe that there is no condemnation in You.  Because the world gives us plenty of opportunities to feel condemned and not good enough, to feel less than whatever ideal is presented to us. All we have to do is see all the self- help and diet books to understand how much we just want to feel better about ourselves. Some of us grew up with a false sense of religiosity, practical Jansenism where You are just waiting for us to mess up and are keeping a scorecard of all of our faults and sins. But that is not Your Heart for us! Lord, for us who believe in You and live in You there is no condemnation! Covered by Grace is a real thing! And we are so blessed in the Church because the Sacraments, Eucharist and Reconciliation, allow us to be touched and healed by You daily in every Catholic Church in the world! So let us be not afraid-  let us live a sacramental life and one of prayer and living in Your Word to know and understand that we are dearly beloved children of the Most- High God! There is no condemnation in those who love You Lord with trust and abandonment to Your Divine Will!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Friday of the Twenty Ninth Week of Ordinary Time

Miserable

You know that I am weak and sinful. Without You, I am a miserable nothing. I live by the grace of abandonment to You.” (Elizabeth) (January 4, 1963)

Today’s Readings: Miserable one that I am!
Who will deliver me from this mortal body?
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 7)

Prayer Meditation- Lord we read in Romans today how St. Paul does not do the good that he wants but he does the evil he does not want. Many of us today may be reading it and saying to ourselves, welcome to my world. Because that is the struggle everyday- we start out each day with good intentions, hopefully prayer because if not the day is pretty much already lost, and yet the just man falls seven times each day. (Proverbs 24:16). We start out each day in battle and by the end of the day we are pretty roughed up by skirmishes of defeat- our minds, our flesh, our mouths, our failure to do what we ought to have done each day pulling us down. So, what to do- we are all, even great saints like Saint Paul, weak and sinful. We are nothing without You! The key is to live in the grace of abandonment to You! You will take our misery and make of it a victor’s crown if we but offer all of it to You! Who will deliver us- thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Thursday of the Twenty Ninth Week of Ordinary Time

Little Sparks

“You, little spark, no matter how small you are, were created by Me and from Me. Draw close to Me without fear.” Nothing was to stand between them. “Give yourself to Me with confidence and go beyond all that would keep you from coming to Me.” (Jesus) (August 21, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Jesus said to his disciples:
“I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing! (Luke 12)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, it really seems as though the world is burning and not in a good way. All can seem chaotic if we turn on the news or spend time on social media. We are bombarded right now with what Sister Lucia called the diabolical disorientation of our times. Yet, Lord, You always have a bigger plan! You have come to set the Earth on fire with love- the Flame of Your Love! You have come to redeem everyone and in these times You call us who are consecrated to You through Mary to be the little sparks that will light the Flame of Love of Her Immaculate Heart in all Hearts bringing peace to our homes and world! Come Holy Spirit, Come by the means of the power of the Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Wednesday of the Twenty Ninth Week in Ordinary Time

Entrusted With Much

“According to the promptness and the degree that you share in My work of Redemption, to that same degree and promptness the Holy Cause we entrusted you will progress. (Jesus) (December 12, 1964)

Today’s Readings: Much will be required of the person entrusted with much,
and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, as Catholic Christians we have been entrusted with much. Your Word, the Sacraments, the Church, the Holy Spirit, and Our Blessed Mother. We have been given every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). But we have to do our part! We must cooperate with the Grace we have been given ,especially during this time of Mercy. You are expecting great things of us and many souls! Lord, help us to be faithful in these times, let us appear before You not with any great merits of our own because we have none but clothed in Your Merits with confidence and trust! Let us not waste any moment but offer all to You- all of our words, thoughts, prayers, and sufferings in union with You!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Monday of the Twenty Ninth Week of Ordinary Time

Rich in What Matters to God

“You see My riches. I need you and I enrich you. Therefore, may our hands gather in unity since our thoughts are one and our souls are in harmony.” (Jesus) (October 15, 1962)

Today’s Readings: But God said to him,
‘You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you;
and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’
Thus will it be for the one who stores up treasure for himself
but is not rich in what matters to God.” (Luke 12)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, today we read about a man who is much like many of us. He makes plans and thinks to himself what to do with the material things and possessions he has. He is thinking ahead of a future with overflowing barns and eating and drinking and being merry. How many of us think like that- plans for retirement and some future time where we will have our paradise here. But it does not work that way really- even those who retire well for example will have to die and leave behind all earthly treasures. And how many times do we hear of those who die suddenly or become sick or disabled and none of those things that were so important really matter very much anymore. Lord, help us to see Your Riches, may we walk, no matter our state in life and how blessed we may be here, hand in hand with You because You are our only treasure! Living well also means dying well- living forever with You in Heaven.

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Convenient or Inconvenient

Speech is a gift of God, and one day, we must give an account of our words. Through words, souls communicate with one another. Also through words, people get to know us.
Therefore, we have no right to wrap ourselves in silence. We also must remember that we are responsible for every spoken word. Therefore, we should walk and live in God’s presence, pondering each word that we say. Our Father gave the gift of speech and you must make use of your gift. Do not be afraid to speak!” (Jesus) (July 26, 1971)

Today’s Readings: I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching. (2 Timothy 3)

Prayer Meditation: O Lord we will give an account of our words- how have we used our gift of speech? Do we proclaim Your Word whether it is convenient or inconvenient? Are we afraid it may cost to speak about our faith? Lord we can only discern when it is right to speak by walking and living in Your presence and pondering what we say. Then in union with You we can trust that You will be with us when we speak Your Word of encouragement or even reprimand so let us not be afraid to speak the Truth in love!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Feast of Saint Luke, Evangelist

The Laborers are Few

The souls that make reparation and faithfully follow My desires are so few.”(Jesus) (October 18, 1962)

Today’s Readings: He said to them,
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;
so ask the master of the harvest
to send out laborers for his harvest. (Luke 10)

Prayer Meditation- Lord today we celebrate St. Luke. St. Luke’s Gospel ,of the four, is the Gospel of Your Mercy and Love and desire for healing for the lost and the broken. In the Gospel today we see the sending of the 72- today Lord You send us out today in this broken world, just a few laborers in an ever growing harvest of souls in need of Your Grace. Lord, help us to be the ones who make reparation and faithfully follow Your desires for the salvation of souls! Let us be merciful in our words and deeds and never discount the power of prayer and intercession to bring in the harvest of souls for You!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch

Even The Hairs On Your Head

Jesus: “Come, My little one, bow your head towards Me and let us talk about something that is difficult for you. Will the sufferings you do for Me be many?” (Jesus) (October 15, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins?
Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.
Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.
Do not be afraid.
You are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, You remind us so beautifully today that no one has escaped Your notice. Every hair on our heads has been counted. There is nothing that we are going through that You do not know about, nothing that is a surprise to You. Lord there is so much that may be difficult for us- many of us are walking through illness, loss, worries, fears, so deep in the valley we are not even sure there is a mountaintop. Will our sufferings be many? We do not know but we know that You hold us in the palm of Your Hand. Lord, we cannot have courage without total trust and surrender to You. How comforting to know that no matter what happens today that You hold the future and that life is worth the living just because You live! (Because He Lives, hymn).

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Thursday of the Twenty Eighth Week of Ordinary Time

Faith and Confidence

The Lord Jesus told me that He had just given me, with wonderful strength, the grace of faith and confidence, because without these two virtues, no other virtues can take root in either me, or in any other soul. (Elizabeth) (May 24, 1963)

Today’s Readings: What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out. On what principle, that of works? No, rather on the principle of faith.

For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (Romans 3)

Prayer Meditation- O Lord, all have sinned and fallen short of Your Glory (Romans 3). We cannot save ourselves- we cannot boast of working our way to Heaven, it is all filthy rags (Isaac 64:6) compared to Your Righteousness. Lord Jesus- the Way, the Truth, and The Life- we boast of nothing but You crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Lord fill us with the grace of faith and confidence in You! We offer ourselves to You Lord Jesus because we believe in You! Fill us with Your Holy Spirit more and more so that virtue would take root in our souls!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Memorial of Saint Teresa of Jesus

Only in God

You must serve only Me. No one else and nothing else now exist for you. Only I.” (Jesus) (September 1, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Only in God be at rest, my soul,
for from him comes my hope.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. (Psalm 62)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, today I know that many are going through many sufferings and trials and it is so easy to get caught up and lose our way. We lose our focus on You and turn our focus on ourselves and that is where we lose the battle. Lord, it is only in You that we can rest and find hope and salvation. It is You alone who are our rock and salvation and our stronghold. Help us to keep our eyes on Your Wonderful Face and let the things of Earth become strangely dim in the light of Your Glory and Grace! (Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus- Hymn) Let us not be disturbed, all things are passing as we are assured by Saint Teresa of Jesus- You alone remain!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Tuesday of the Twenty Eighth Week of Ordinary Time

Not Ashamed Of The Gospel

Jesus: “Do you see how much I love you? I reward your perseverance to do good and convert it into blessing for My work of Redemption. I need your sacrifices so you ceaselessly give momentum to our messages and offer reparation to My offended Sacred Heart. (September 18, 1965).

Today’s Readings: Brothers and sisters:
I am not ashamed of the Gospel.
It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. (Romans 1)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, today it seems so many are ashamed of the Gospel. We do not acknowledge, You Our Creator and have given into vain reasoning which has darkened our minds (Romans 1). We have become self -reliant and we think we can define all sorts of things it seems- we believe in no one but ourselves and our intellects. Even Christians live a subtle atheism- listening to one thing on Sunday and living in the world the rest of the week. We seem to want to hide our light under a bushel (Matthew 5:15) not willing to show that hope that lives in all of us (1 Peter 3:15) and yet You have asked us to be in the world but not of it (John 15). A people set apart. Lord let us be persevering in prayer and in doing good, ceaselessly offering the sacrifices of our daily life for Your Glory and to save souls. Let us not be ashamed of the Gospel but let us live it loudly each day for all to see even if we do not say a word!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Monday of the Twenty Eighth Week of Ordinary Time- Miracle of the Sun

Something Greater

Jesus: “My little Carmelite, I complain because seeing so many indifferent souls grieves My Heart. Now, as First Friday again approaches, thinking of them fills Me with sadness. The love overflowing from My Heart receives no response from these souls. You, My daughter, must love Me even more. Embrace Me evermore closely in your heart. Offer your soul and serve Me with profound submission. Do this in place of those who do not, even though they are consecrated to Me.” (Jesus) (July 30, 1962)

Today’s Readings: At the judgment
the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation
and she will condemn them,
because she came from the ends of the earth
to hear the wisdom of Solomon,
and there is something greater than Solomon here.
At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation
and condemn it,
because at the preaching of Jonah they repented,
and there is something greater than Jonah here.” (Luke 11)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, in today’s Gospel we read about how, despite the great things done by You in various towns, Your own did not recognize You. (John 1). And how sad You must have been when You reminded the indifferent crowds that “something greater” was in their midst. The same thing happens today because You come to us in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass every day. Yet how many sadly do not recognize You in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24). Lord, You are the Something Greater that has come to redeem us and sanctify us and to fill our hearts with Your Body, Blood Soul and Divinity so that we will walk with You forever.

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gratitude- It is Not Just For Samaritans

“Gratitude is all I want in return. Tell Me just one word: ‘Thanks’”. (Jesus) (August 7, 1963)

Today’s Readings: Jesus said in reply,
“Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
Then he said to him, “Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you.” (Luke 17).

Prayer Meditation- Lord, today we hear the Gospel of the ten lepers who were healed. Only one gave thanks, the Samaritan. We like to think we are like that Samaritan and that we would give thanks to You but truthfully so many of us are like the other nine. Because every day Your Grace is poured out on us in abundance. We would not even be breathing without Your Grace. It is so easy to lose focus and lose gratitude for all of our blessings even in the hard times and yet it is gratitude that is really the antidote to so much that keeps us down. Sin, selfishness, self-absorption, anxiety and depression are many times the fruits of us looking only at ourselves and not focusing on You, the One who gave all so that we could live the abundant life You died to give us. Not only here, where, yes we will suffer and have many trials, but in the next life to come. So let us be thankful even in those trials because You would not have allowed the trouble if it was not for our good. So let’s try it today- gratitude, not just for “Samaritans” but everyone because we are called by His Name and saved by His Blood if we but cooperate with Grace!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Friday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time- Miracle of the Sun

I’m With Him

Jesus: “This is My teaching, do it. I give you the time and the opportunity to practice this lesson. To participate in My work of Salvation, you must attract those souls who despise Me and do not understand Me. This is not easy but our hands will gather in unity. Whoever gathers with Me is assured of the results. Although thefruit may not be apparent, you can be sure of it. Ask the Father in My Name and He will grant you whatever you ask for on My behalf. Have confidence and always refer to the Flame of Love of My Holy Mother because the Three Divine Persons are obligated to her. Through her, you can receive the graces you ask for. She is the Spouse of the Holy Spirit and her love warms up the hearts and souls which have grown cold in the world. Then, waking up with

renewed energies, you will be able to rise towards God.” (October 19, 1962)

Today’s Readings: But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons,
then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.
When a strong man fully armed guards his palace,
his possessions are safe.
But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him,
he takes away the armor on which he relied
and distributes the spoils.
Whoever is not with me is against me,
and whoever does not gather with me scatters.(Luke 11)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, it could not be clearer. The lines are clearly drawn. We are either with You or we are against You- we either stand with Truth and upon the Rock of Your Church or we are outside. We are either doing what we can to gather with You and work for the conversion of souls or we are lukewarm and that does not end well (Revelations 3). Lord help us to stand with You wherever this journey may be leading us- help us to gather with You as much as possible because without You we can do nothing! Lord let us commit ourselves to be truly with You today and every day! Let us rely on the Blessed Mother through the Flame of Love to receive the graces we ask for- for our families and for the salvation of souls!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Thursday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time

Like A Tree Planted Near Running Water

Let the words you say about me be alive so the mystery of Heaven has an impact on souls. If, eventually, you ask to speak and it is granted to you, may my power be with you! Let each word be like a seed planted so those listening produce an abundant harvest.” (Mary) (July 26, 1971)

Today’s Readings: He is like a tree
    planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
    and whose leaves never fade.
    Whatever he does, prospers. (Psalm 1)

Prayer Meditation- Lord today we thank You and bless You and glorify You because we celebrate the power of the Most Holy Rosary during this month of October. Each Mystery is still alive and present to us today and available for us if we allow the graces of each decade to flow into our hearts. To do this we must have listening hearts, ready to allow each word spoken in terms of the vocal prayers in addition to each Scriptural word that we meditate on in our hearts be planted in our hearts by Our Lady so that we would produce an abundant harvest for Your Kingdom! The Rosary is the Gospel on a string, a journey which begins with a “Yes” and ends with a Crown for each one of us as we pray all the way through from the Annunciation to the Coronation of Our Lady! There is absolutely no problem, no struggle, no heartache that cannot be cured with this Divine Antidote from Heaven- this is the weapon that keeps us safe and secure in the Two Hearts of Jesus and Mary! So, pick up a Rosary today and never let it go- let us get in agreement with Heaven and expect miracles!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Wednesday of the Twenty Seventh Week of Ordinary Time

Abounding in Kindness

Sometimes I collapsed from tiredness. However, the great sufferings brought forth Jesus’ kindness. Sometimes, I suffer overwhelming spiritual sorrows and can hardly stay on my feet. (Elizabeth) (January 14, 1963)

Today’s Readings: For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
abounding in kindness to all who call upon you.
Hearken, O LORD, to my prayer
and attend to the sound of my pleading. (Psalm 86)

Prayer Meditation- Lord some days we are just not feeling it- we just can’t go any further. Overstressed, overworked, maybe just angry and dealing with resentment like Jonah in the first reading today. Maybe we are just plain tired. Lord we know in any difficulty and trial that if we call Your Name, You are with us as You are abounding in kindness to all who call on You! Hearken Lord to the sound of our cries- may they become prayers of petition and praise as they rise to You!

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

Anxious and Worried

“I, your Master, will care for you. I will free you from every worry. I only want to be everything to you so that nothing ties you to the earth.” (Jesus) (April 20, 1964)

Today’s Readings: The Lord said to her in reply,
“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.
There is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part
and it will not be taken from her.” (Luke 10)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, so many of us give into anxiety and worry. It seems that our lives these days just lend themselves to echoing Martha’s complaint of being overwhelmed and overworked. Lord, this happens most often when we lose our focus on You and what matters most but instead spend our days chasing what at the end of the day matters least. Lord we have need of only one thing- that You would be our everything so that You will free us from every worry and fear and all thoughts that are not of You! Lord may our thoughts be as one- banish anxiety, panic, fear, worry and stress today in our lives! As you told St. Faustina- My child, know that the greatest obstacles to holiness are discouragement and an exaggerated anxiety. These will deprive you of the ability to practice virtue. All temptations united together ought not disturb your interior peace, not even momentarily. Sensitiveness and discouragement are the fruits of self-love. Have confidence, My child. Do not lose heart in coming for pardon, for I am always ready to forgive you. As often as you beg for it, you glorify My mercy. (Diary, 1488)

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Monday of the Twenty Fifth Week of Ordinary Time

Who Is Our Neighbor

Many people in your neighborhood have known you for years. You have fought your great battles before their eyes. (Mary) (November 19, 1962)

Today’s Readings: Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”

\Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10)

Prayer Meditation- Lord who is our neighbor? And why is it that these days we don’t really seem to know our neighbors. Our neighbor is the single mother down the street struggling to raise kids alone, the affluent couple at Church whose child has just died of an overdose, the people at work who express opinions we don’t agree with but inside they are hurting and broken because they don’t know You Lord, the homeless beggar on our streets who has been failed by every system put into place to stop poverty but which cannot mend the human heart! Lord we can all bring You to them- sometimes in big ways, sometimes in small, sometimes just with a smile! Lord open our eyes to the brokenhearted! Let us start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible and suddenly we will be doing the impossible, make us instruments of Your Peace! (St. Francis)

Today’s Consuming Fire Meditation- – A Daily Dose of the Flame of Love Diary Served Up with Today’s Scriptures

Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

If It Delays- Wait for It

O heavenly Mother, I desire so much that your Flame of Love burns that I feel a great sadness and affliction because it is being delayed. O Mother, smooth out the road of those called to promote your Cause. (Mary) (July 30, 1962).

Today’s Readings: For the vision still has its time,
 presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint;
 if it delays, wait for it,
 it will surely come, it will not be late. (Habakkuk 1)

Prayer Meditation- Lord, I believe so many of us are waiting for many things. We may be waiting for a spouse, a baby, the right job, or the return of our health. We may be waiting for our loved ones to return to faith. We may be waiting for the darkness to lift in our minds and hearts so that we may feel Your Presence once more though we know by faith You are always there. I believe Heaven waits for us to respond to this time of Mercy and Grace poured out on us in these extraordinary times. Mercy through the Divine Mercy and Grace through The Flame of Love of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Why Lord, does it seem so long when we are waiting? Yet the second reading today tells us what our attitude is to be while we wait. Stir into Flame Your Gifts in our souls because You did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and self -control (2 Timothy 1)! And the Gospel offers us the promise- if we have the faith of a mustard seed we will see great things (Luke 17). So let us who are waiting do so with expectancy and hope- Your timing is not our timing but You are never late!