Monday, March 11 : Saint Gregory of Narek

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Jl 3,5; Rom 10,13).
But I, I do not just call on him: above all else I believe in his greatness. Not for his gifts do I persevere in my pleading,
but because he is true Life and in him I breathe.
Without him there is neither movement nor advance. Not so much by the bonds of hope but by the bonds of love
am I drawn.
Not for the gifts but for the Giver
do I long.
It is not glory that I am reaching out for
but the glorified Lord whom I desire to embrace.
The thirst for life is not what is consuming me
but the remembrance of him who gives life. The desire for happiness is not why I am sighing,
why I break into sobs from the depths of my heart,
but from the desire for him who prepares it.
It is not for rest I am seeking
but for the face of him who will pacify my suppliant heart. I am pining, not for the wedding feast,
but because of my desire for the Bridegroom. In sure expectation of his power
in spite of the burden of my sins,
I believe with unquenchable hope,
while entrusting myself into the hands of the Almighty,
that I shall not simply gain forgiveness
but will see him face to face
thanks to his mercy and pity,
and though I fully deserve to be banished,
I shall come into possession of heaven.
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team