“My child, even if you seemed to love everything, even if all the affections of your heart were to fade away and you found yourself alone and misunderstood by everyone, I should still be your treasure, your goal, your incomparable friend, your beginning and your end. “So don’t be upset by anything. Once and for all, place your heart in Mine, in joy as in distress. If I fill your cup to overflowing, I am your peace. If I put you to the test, I am your companion. Nothing ever ceases to flow from Me to you, if you accept Me. Now do you understand a little better the reason you were born? To be one with Me. Begin, begin right from this very moment. Tighten the bonds of union. Ask the immaculate one for this grace. Her heart never left Me. And you, child, never leave Me. Never. I’ll be tempted to thank you.””

— He and I by Gabrielle Bossis

8 Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:8).

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,[d]
    I fear no evil;
for thou art with me;
    thy rod and thy staff,
    they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty (Revelations 1:8)

Reflection- O Lord we can feel so alone in this world even in the best of circumstances. But now during this Holiday Season, so many can really be feeling the losses- of loved ones, of poor health, of loneliness and depression. And yet You are our treasure, our goal, our only purpose in life. Our Alpha and Omega, our beginning and our end. And You promise that You are not just there on the mountaintop but as a faithful companion in the valley, our comfort and our peace. So let us ask for the grace to live fused in Your Most Holy and Divine Will, one with You no matter the circumstances. Mary Queen of Peace please pray for us.