The Catholic Writers Guild

Kimberly Novak recreates a decisive moment when a single light conveys God’s voice. 

When I feel the cool morning breeze and gaze upon the dew-kissed grass glistening in the sun, Love speaks. As my body rests peacefully on an empty chair nestled in the meadow, Love speaks. The chair’s shape cradles me as I prayerfully accept God’s embrace. Turning toward the sun with eyes closed, I listen, and Love speaks. Colors change behind my rested eyes from red to yellow, signifying God’s enduring love and my euphoric happiness. Listening to the songs of birds nearby fills my soul, and Love speaks. As a brilliant pause takes over, I settle in and open my heart to the one who gave me breath, and God speaks.

 

 

Nothing declares love more than the Sacred Heart of Jesus—signifying the divine and human love that Jesus has for his Father and us. It also symbolizes Jesus’ ministry and the sacrifice he made. Many artists’ renderings and sculptures show us the genuine love and care Jesus has for all the world. The Sacred Heart speaks with a love that billows from both the divine and the humanity of Jesus. 

For the last few days, I have been on a small retreat at a place considered sacred ground. I’ve visited here on many occasions, all of which hold glorious moments of healing and transformation. It was on the first retreat that I arrived with my grandmother’s pocket-sized Sacred Heart of Jesus medallion. The theme for that retreat was love. During my stay, I scripted an enduring letter to God and placed it in the snow at the feet of the Sacred Heart Statue.  The gesture of that moment was both pivotal and healing. My life has changed in many ways since then, and I’ve often wondered if God had read my letter.

June is the month of the Sacred Heart, which brings to light the significance of what God allowed me to experience today. A large part of my retreats is allowing time for a prayerful walk. God has taken the time to create such beauty, and I must bask in it. Nestled among over 50 acres are wonders of nature, and the blessedness calls my name. Surrounding a brilliant open meadow, where the deer frolic and play, are trees as tall as the sky, with outstretched branches allowing light to shine through in just the right way. The landscape filled with God’s creations is dotted with benches in grottos and tear-stained places where those on retreat have prayed and wept. 

As the sun slowly descended from the sky and the hymn of the songbird was soft, I approached the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I suddenly felt the urge to rest. A sense came over me that I was standing upon the threshold of a divine God-filled moment. Inhaling deeply, I fixed my gaze upwards when I saw a single light shining upon the heart of Jesus. The light encompassed only the left half of the heart and illuminated the flames surrounding that side. I reached my hand to my own heart, exhaling fully in God’s grace. In my heart of hearts, I knew this was God’s response to my letter written so long ago. 

As quickly as it appeared, it was gone, like the flicker of a candle as it’s extinguished.  My heart, however, was full of light and grateful for the outpouring of love God so graciously bestowed on me. The events of this moment and the immense beauty will forever live in my heart. As the retreat ends, I leave with serenity in my soul. I am certain letters from my heart and prayers kissed to the heavens will always be a form of worship. Life will challenge, tears may fall, and God’s Love will carry it all.  When God speaks, Love speaks.

Images Copyright Kimbery Novak 2022