Some Context: The prose below was written from an inspiration I had while altar serving one morning. I had reflected, in my minds eye, an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the tabernacle to help me be more focused – reminding myself of whose majestic presence was before me. Ironically, although I tried to use this image to keep me free from distraction, my imagination went haywire after realizing that it might make a good prose. I started writing it down as soon as I got home. And it turned out to be one of my favourite pieces. I hope you like it and find it edifying:
Furnace of Radiant Love
Written by Keith D.S.L. Mayhew–Hammond
on July 16, 2019
I hear it. The blazing fire that burns in the tabernacle. Throughout the Nave it echoes, welcoming me as I enter in through the doors. The roaring of fire swells with the sound of Christ’s Sacred Heart, beating as a drum for me. My soul cannot help but dance to the percussion, and to the melody of Heavenly choirs singing in adoration of Him. While my feet guide me through the Nave towards the Sanctuary, my own heart unites with His until they beat in unison. An intense radiating heat enkindles my body and soul with delight as I kneel before the altar. The fire’s penetrating heat does not scare me. Well maybe a little. Yet it is a good fear. The flame’s radiance threatens to burn away every false thing that I hold dear. I know that I should not cling to earthly cares, yet I struggle to let go. May that battle in my soul continue until all that remains is an empty vessel; that He may fill it to the brim and his all-consuming love incandesce me.
Grow my vessel O Sacred Heart of Christ, every moment of every day, so that my flask can hold a greater and greater volume of your charity. And I wish to reciprocate that love with you and with others. May anything that holds us back from you not be able to remain in your presence.
Divine Child of the Cross, let your Sacred Heart, that burning furnace of charity ever fan the flames of my own heart. Make our hearts as one, and grow mine so that in magnitude it might experience more and more of your embrace.
You don’t just love me you like me too. And you don’t just like me, you love me as well. But still more, not only do you both like and love me beyond anything I could understand, you also prefer me. And not just when I am faithful. Even when I have betrayed you, countless times, your preferential love seeks me out and finds me, leaving me no choice but to return to your mercy. My clouded judgement veiled my eyes from seeing your glow. But you stepped in and removed the fog, and continue to do so, that my eyes may see crystal clear the fulness of who you really are.
My Daddy, brother, son, friend, companion, comrade, and spiritual lover. You are all that I need – everything and everyone. Yet you provide me with more than I need, befriending me with companions that we may share ever more of your love when together with you. Love is infinite! The more we experience and share your love, the more it grows.
May I do more than like and love you. May I prefer your company every moment of every day into eternity. Impossible though it is for me to desire you as much as you desire me, grant me the graces needed to grow in that desire daily, hourly, by every minute of every day, until the gates of Heaven usher me into your eternal charitable presence.
Sacred Heart of the Divine Child of the Cross, preserve us with your countenance.
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