The Seeing

trials compete for the true perception of our present reality

often filtered by our finiteness and the prism of subjectivity
adversity challenges our Faith's vision as we seek understanding and relief

Eternity's advantage provides a more enlightened perspective
especially from the One who has already trod the Via Dolorosa and
triumphed over death's dark dominion
so let us commence the Seeing together and find the Truth midst labor's pain

you see your cross and say "Why me?"

I see your burden and say "Why not you?"
give Me the name of a loved one upon whose shoulders
you would place it in your stead for
all must walk from the darkness of the fall through change's portal
into Purity's Light though many decide to travel in the shadows
'till  in the end they find horror in the rewards
they vainly pursued

you see your cross and feel others elude such agony
seeming always to prosper while you struggle
from day to day

I see all and say no one escapes suffering
though appearances deceive
each journey is different yet the same
My call and offer have no limits save in the will of
every man since the battle for the soul is inward
and therein lies the many unseen afflictions

you see tribulation's pressure and wonder when it
will end and what purpose could it ever serve

I see gold in the making when in cooperation with My allowances
the flame of purification is accomplishing its mission

you see the temptation to escape everywhere you look
and find momentary solace in pleasure's company
sometimes turning from My Ways to seek freedom's play

but I see only a ball and chain when self is enthroned
while never finding the satisfaction sought

you see simply the struggle to carry your cross

I see your willingness to endure
Trusting despite uncertainty's din

you see your solitary journey and
despite prayer and personal support
feel the loneliness of your painful watch

I see your trusting faithfulness and the angels who
accompany your every step while My Presence fills
your sacred temple

you see the struggle to face your hardship and give
thanks in all circumstances as your feelings resist your will

I see the Spirit hovering over your waters re-creating
and renewing you in the image of Gethsemane's passage

you see a self of weakness and need

I see a heart becoming like Mine for
love is transformed by Love and in the end become One

so take comfort in these Truths
keep your eyes fixed upon Me and
Unite yourself with My timeless Calvary
for the sake of those you love and so
while seeing your present challenge
submerged in sorrow
know that this too shall pass

Reflection/Discussion:
-Which thoughts reflect your experience? How?
-Which "seeing" by the Lord struck you the most?
-How does an "eternal perspective" help?
-When looking back at past trials, how did the Lord use them?
-How do faith and feelings relate in your experience of trials?
-Do you have supportive relationships in your walk with the Lord?
-If yes, evaluate the openness and honesty with one another.
-If not, seek and you shall find at least one person to whom you can confide.

The Mother Mary

she was always there for Me

our bond like no other
My beginnings
shrouded in mystery
deterred her not in
her acceptance of Life and a
mission of humble service
joy was her mantle

surrender her heart's desire
love her gift
though My Identity was
beyond her understanding and
more than she could touch
she bathed My Soul with tenderness
with a strength Divine
while her smile fed my hunger
always lifting Me higher

than each day's challenges
she guided others to follow Me
as she herself grew in stature
'till sorrow's swords pierced 

her tender heart while staring

in disbelief at My stark end
yet again her submission
responded to My final request
taking all to be her very own 

children and to draw them

each to Me as her eternal calling
never yielding to temptations

of self-pity nor punishing anger
she bore My spent Body

in sorrowful mourning 

'till Resurrection's daybreak

now she rejoices to bring the 

Gift of New Life to every soul
without ceasing her hope for

the lost to be found she 

holds on to each of her 

own faithfully fulfilling

her calling to be their

Eternal Mother

interceding for a 

Glorious Finale

Reflection/Discussion:

-Describe Jesus' relationship with His Mother.
-What role did Jesus give to Mary?
-What part does Mary play in your life?
-How would you explain Mary to someone inquiring about her?

The Offering

sorrow propels my soul
along paths illumined by

a darkness that blinds my

world leaving me grasping

for the way forward without

any clarity of meaning or purpose

from circumstances that can 

only cry out for a Hand to grasp 

in Surrender's Trust to lead me

in this valley of shadows as I

make my way to eternity's shore
by sight unseen burdened under 

the weight of a fitted cross
'till grieving is relieved by a

Graced acceptance renewed

day by day strengthened by

Another's Offering much more

torturous than mine which

intentionally bore my pain 

and carried my sorrow yet 

allowing me to  join in His 

Brokenness Gifting for Love's 

sake whose bitter pain from 

long ago is made present by 

Grace and in that decision 

purpose can abound for intentions 

lifted by wings of tears and Mercy's 

embrace bearing a willingness to 

fulfill what is missing in the Body

I can share and extend Grace's 

measure to my heart's devotions

while deepening a bond of noble 

caresses of a Heart pierced and
Body bruised for all
including
you...

Reflection/Discussion:

-What is your experience of suffering?
-How can good come from our suffering?
-What does is mean to unite our sufferings with Jesus'?
-How can Jesus' suffering bring meaning to ours?
-What does Jesus' suffering for you mean to you?