Author: Smitten With Goodness

The human heart has long been a symbol of love. At one time, it was viewed as the source of all human activity—intellectual and emotional. It has also metaphorically symbolized the center of things, such as the heart of a relationship or the heart of a city. It could also represent the character of a person, such as describing someone as having a good heart.

Through intentional breathing, I can subtly affect both my heart rhythm and my interior life. Such gentle guidance constitutes a form of asceticism whereby I can calm the disorders of my heart and create the opportunity to receive God’s love. Another way to put it is that meditation and prayer must be integrated into the constant call of Jesus Christ to experience healing and transformation in a way that frees me to love God and neighbor. If I practice some esoteric spirituality while continuing to commit mortal sins, I’m living in an illusion and not following the will of God.

Do you have all the crazy voices in your head vying for attention? Certainly, I’m not the only one who has a hard time discerning what is the sacred loving voice whispering words of love.

What will you wear today? For many years I was focused on presenting the image I wanted people to see. Keeping up with the latest fashions, driving a luxury car or spending my time and energy on having a Martha Stewart home filled a lot of my time. These things helped me feel affluent and successful, convincing myself I had “arrived” and could check off another box and life goal.  But Sacred Love knocked on the door of my heart, drawing me toward wisdom to learn that there is more.

Today in the church we honor the sacred body of Jesus Christ. Corpus Domini, which literally translates to “body and blood of Christ” is also called the Feast of Corpus Christi. For many years, I did not realize the gift we have in the Eucharist. In seeking to understand love, God drew me into “communion” with His sacred love through this life-giving miracle.  When I taste and see the goodness of the Lord, the power of this message flows throughout my veins. When I feast at the table of sacred love, the flames of the spirit dwelling within me grow.