November 12, 2020 Reflection – In God’s Nearness

November 12, 2020
St. Josephat, Bishop, Martyr

Dear Family of Mary!

This is Day 4 of our Nine Day Novena for the world and for our countries.  We begin by reading St. Faustina’s Diary Entry 235:

On the day of the Assumption of the Mother of God, I did not assist at Holy Mass. The woman doctor did not allow me; but I prayed fervently in my cell. After a short time, I saw the Mother of God, unspeakably beautiful. She said to me, My daughter, what I demand from you is prayer, prayer, and once again prayer, for the world and especially for your country. For nine days receive Holy Communion in atonement and unite yourself closely to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. During these nine days you will stand before God as an offering; always and everywhere, at all times and places, day or night, whenever you wake up, pray in the spirit. In spirit, one can always remain in prayer. (Diary 325)

Let’s remember that we are standing before God as an offering.  And as we stand in His presence, we will be drawn into a deeper relationship of love with Him.  As Our Lady says in this message, we will be “In God’s nearness”:

“Dear children, today I call you to a complete union with God. Your body is on earth, but I ask that your souls, as often as possible be in God’s nearness. You will achieve this through prayer, prayer with an open heart. In that way you will thank God for the immeasurable goodness which He gives to you through me and, with a sincere heart, you will accept the obligation to treat the souls whom you meet with equal goodness. Thank you, my children.” (November 2, 2008)

Here is the Litany to God the Father.  I think it will help us draw near to the Lord, and stand in His presence, thanking Him and loving Him!

LITANY OF GOD THE FATHER

God the Father of heaven, – have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, – have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, – have mercy on us.
Most Holy Trinity, one only God, – have mercy on us.

Father, Creator of the world, – have mercy on us.
(Repeat ‘have mercy on us’ after each invocation.)

Father, reconciliation of the world,
Father, eternal wisdom,
Father, infinite goodness,
Father, ineffable providence,
Father, fountain of all delight,
Father, most holy,
Father, most sweet,
Father, inexhaustible mercy,
Father, our defender,
Father, our love,
Father, our light,
Father, our joy and glory,
Father, richness of the whole world,
Father, triumphant over all nations,
Father, magnificence of the holy family,
Father, hope of Christians,
Father, ruination of idols,
Father, wisdom of rulers,
Father, magnificence of kings,
Father, consolation of the people,
Father, joy of priests,
Father, leader of men,
Father, glory of family life,
Father, support of the unhappy,
Father, joy of virgins,
Father, guide of youth,
Father, friend of the little ones,
Father, freedom of captives,
Father, light for those in darkness,
Father, destruction of the arrogant,
Father, wisdom of the just,
Father, our succor in tribulation,
Father, our hope in desolation,
Father, King of salvation for the desperate,
Father, consolation of the poor,
Father, safe haven in danger,
Father, our protection in misery,
Father, consolation of the afflicted,
Father, asylum of orphans,
Father, peace of the elderly,
Father, refuge of the dying,
Father, satiation of our thirst,
Father, life of the dead,
Father, plentitude of the saints, – have mercy on us.

Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, – forgive us, O Lord.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, – hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, – have mercy on us, O Lord.

Let us pray:
Infinitely good and merciful Father, You ardently want to extend Your Kingdom of Love to the heart of Your creatures. For the sake of Your joy and their happiness, we ask You to fulfil Your will to be known, loved and honored by men and to unite our families in Your peace. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the intercession of the most holy Virgin Mary and all the saints. Amen.

In Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Cathy Nolan
© Mary TV 2020