“Something very deep and mysterious, very holy and sacred, is taking place in our lives right where we are, and the more attentive we become, the more we will begin to see and hear it. The more our spiritual sensitivities come to the surface of our daily lives, the more we will discover ~ uncover ~ a new presence in our lives.” ~ Henri Nouwen
I know, it’s been a while ~ in fact, just over a year since I last discerned a distinct nudge from Blessed Mother Mary to write and share one of these Sacred Relationship Reflections. But as July arrived, I had the honor of being part of a lovely gathering with beautiful spiritual women, led by one of my treasured mentors, Rev. Frances Fayden, during which I felt that gentle, unmistakable stirring in my spirit to write once again.
It began as a quiet invitation beckoning me. As I sat with it in prayer, I found myself reflecting on St. Catherine Labouré and the mystery of Mother’s timing. On July 18, 1830, Mother Mary appeared to Catherine for the first time in the chapel on Rue du Bac in Paris ~ a chapel I was blessed to visit shortly before forming my ministry, Sacred Relationship, LLC, on July 22, 2022. What I learned there was that in answer to her prayers, Catherine was awakened by a child-like angelic figure who led her to the sanctuary where Mother sat waiting. There, Catherine knelt at her feet, resting her hands upon Mother’s knees, receiving words of comfort, guidance, and a sacred mission that would unfold in the months that followed. Mother didn’t reveal everything at once. The fullness of the vision was still to come.
Looking back, I realize Mother may have been teaching me something through the waiting itself. Not every season is a time for sharing and writing. Some are seasons for listening, for deepening, for becoming. Just as Catherine was first invited into Mother’s presence before being shown the radiant vision of the graces, perhaps we, too, are sometimes asked to rest in holy companionship before the next revelation unfolds.
We can often find ourselves seeking clear direction and a complete understanding of what our Divine Creator is doing in our lives. Yet Heaven frequently unfolds its invitations one fog-softened step at a time. Catherine could not have imagined that her simple “yes” to Mother’s request would eventually lead to the creation of the Miraculous Medal, touching millions of lives across generations. What Mother envisions is often so much bigger than we can imagine. Our role is not to see the entire path, but simply to remain willing vessels and to faithfully respond to each inspired nudge as it arrives.
During a later apparition that same year, Mother Mary revealed a vision to Catherine that continues to captivate hearts nearly two centuries later. Catherine beheld brilliant rainbow rays streaming from the precious gemstones on Mother’s fingers, pouring forth abundantly upon the world in dazzling colors and radiant light. Mother explained that these radiant rays represent the graces she longs to bestow upon all her children who ask for them. Yet Catherine noticed that some of the rays didn’t seem to flow outward as fully as the others. Mother tenderly explained that these were the graces for which people had forgotten to ask.
What a profound thought! Just as our guardian angel often waits for our invitation before offering assistance, so too are there blessings, healings, and graces awaiting our asking.
Pause and imagine that for a moment. What grace might be waiting at this threshold of your life, longing to be welcomed in?
Blessings waiting in abundance to be received. Miracles resting in the hands of Divine Love, awaiting our invitation ~ simply, our communion of time, intimacy, trust, and prayer with our Blessed Mother.
As I have prayed with this beautiful image, I find myself resting in the ambiance of these jeweled rays pouring directly into my heart. And I feel compelled to invite you into this sacred experience as well. Picture yourself blanketed in Mother Mary’s tender, nurturing love. Feel the gemstone-colored rays of light flowing radiantly through your entire being ~ healing, restoring, and illuminating your soul’s unique light. Let yourself experience the vibration of each color, the essence of every grace filling your heart. Open like a blossom turning toward the morning sun and to the tremendous warmth of these radiant rays as Mother shares the gifts she has long desired to bestow upon you.
Imagine colors not yet seen on earth and yet somehow familiar to your spirit, pouring over you in overflowing measure ~ sparkles of brilliance feeding exactly what your soul needs, recapturing your energy, restoring your hope, and rekindling a life-giving vibrancy to serve the world as only you can. Feel yourself held in wonder and delight, receiving the graces that have patiently waited for your asking.
Perhaps this is Mother’s invitation for us on this sacred anniversary: trust the timing, ask boldly, and receive freely. The graces are already pouring forth; we need only become attentive to them. May we open our hearts more fully, ask more confidently, and allow ourselves to be blessed by the abundance of Divine Love that longs to find its way home within us. And may we discover that Heaven has been preparing gifts for us all along ~ waiting patiently for the moment we are ready to open ourselves to them.
Until I receive that next nudge!
If you feel the calling to experience more of this grace and peace, and would like someone to accompany you on the pathway in a supportive way, feel free to check out my Spiritual Life Coaching offerings at sacredrelationship.com/spiritual-life-coaching/.
Join the Sacred Relationship Sistership!
Subscribe to my Sacred Relationship Reflections and get stories, practical and spiritual wisdom, and updates on events.