My hope for you

Poetry speaks to our minds and hearts and is meant to communicate more than the sum of its words. It is an apt expression of our walk with the Lord. I encourage you to forward this link to those you love. I pray this poetry leads you into reflection and prayer but I also want to start a conversation. You, too, have something to share with others-not only in person, but also here. Your experience is yours to give away to build up and learn from others in the Body of Christ. Share the word that you hear, the experiences you have lived. We are all part of the New Evangelization.If you also want to contact me by email, feel free: genefirn@yahoo.com

Table of contents: October 7, 2012

Monday, October 7, 2013

The Dialogue

THE DIALOGUE

Jesus:
My invitation is ever the same
for those who come after Me:
will you follow My Way?...

Lord Jesus, you know I will.
.
Jesus:
Yes, but I call you to be
more than you think you can be...

What does that mean, my Lord?

Jesus:
Your vision is of ministries,
doing great things for Me while
overcoming the pull of darkness
in your life....

But, what is wrong with that?

Jesus:
It is good that you desire to serve Me
and overcome the sin that clings so closely
to you. But, there is more...

You mean perfection?

Jesus:
Yes...but not as you mean it...

Well then, what do You mean by it?
What are you asking of me?

Jesus:
Perfection is not great, it is little,
just as I became little for you.
It is not complicated; rather, it is simple
like a child cuddling close to his mother
or listening for her voice in the
sleepy morning.

It is not straining to
do everything right, but, rather,
being at Peace with your weakness
knowing you are Loved for who you are.

It is not living up to your ideal image
trying to become the person you want others
to "see". Rather, it is living in transparency where
your heart is joined with Mine and no one can
tell the difference.

It is not what you do, but who you are...

Lord Jesus, how can this happen?
It's so different than the way I think about things.
How do I live your Perfection and not mine?
It seems like more than I can do.

Jesus:
It is not a mountain to conquer nor
a river to tame but, it is a battle nonetheless,
for you live in a world under the power
of the evil one. His words deceive and accuse.
Even doing good can become the excuse for
not doing the more noble, more arduous
even illogical to those bound by darkness...

Sigh.  Lord, it all seems too much.
How does all that fit together?
I need to know how to live as
your disciple in all the many things I
have to do and the relationships I have.
Can you simplify all that you have said
and maybe sum it up for me?
I do want to please you; so, can you
show me how to do that?

Jesus:
I know your heart; the secret longings
even you do not yet see, and, I Love you.
Yes, it is good that it is too much for you-
that is the Truth of your Life with Me.
It is not in constant striving that you 
become One with Me, rather, it is depending
on My Mercy that transforms you. It is not 
doing more, but, being more...not focusing 
on you but Me.

What pleases Me is your love in return because
only then can I give you more of Myself, only then
can I Love others through you. So, to be My
faithful witness, do not hide your Love for Me.
Love Me simply, straightforwardly, openly for all to see
knowing that it is only by My Spirit that you can
do so. That is a reality to embrace, not reluctantly, but
rather, joyfully, for it is in weakness that you find
your true strength - like a peaceful child securely 
holding his mother's hand. That is the Way as in the
sleepy morning... 

Lord, how do I get from here to there?

Jesus: Take my hand...

Reflection/Discussion:

-What does 'perfection is not great but little' mean?
-What are the ways you "hide" your love for Jesus?
-How can you love Jesus more simply, openly and straightforwardly ie. childlike? 
-How can you become more "childlike"?
-How does depending on Mercy transform you rather than striving?
-What does 'not doing more, but, being more' mean?
-What does focusing 'not on you but Me' mean?
-What area(s) in your life is it difficult to surrender to the Lord?
-How can you practically grow in trust for a difficult area in your life?
-Find a support group to whom you can be accountable.




Saturday, September 21, 2013

The Everyman

Unbelieved
Despite witness's testimony
Everyman needed evidence
Even as a Savior's Desire beckoned
Seeing is believing his birthright
Eyes must see
Hands must touch
For death’s conquest
And faith’s fulfillment
Tender Mercy responded when
Weakness cried out 
Eternal wounds bearing testimony
Of the Anointed One’s Gift
So faith was born by senses filled
Everyman seeks inspection still
When the invitation is given
Seeing and touching the need
And as always Mercy responds
Overcoming by Revelation in 
Mind and heart touched by
A Presence making everything New
Yet when the dark valley’s mist
Veils the traveler’s vision
Testing everyman in everyway
Opportunities arise for Love’s 
Devoted Trust
When feelings flee Grace abounds
Held fast by Hands
Scared by Love's Donation
A Sacrifice for everyman
In Faith’s Decision secured by
His Abiding Presence even
Though Veiled in Mystery

Reflection / Discussion:
-How is Faith a Decision?
-What Evidence is there to Believe?
-What is your 'story' of Faith in Jesus?
-How is Faith tested in 'the dark valley'?
-What does it mean for Jesus to be your 
 Personal Lord and Savior?
-What would it take to 'Accept Jesus into your life'?

                                               

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

The Virtue of Chastity

in a hook-up culture-
Satan's favorite playground- 
moral relativism reigns where
right and wrong is
based on one's
subjective viewpoint and is
of course always correct-
feelings are enthroned
pleasure is worshiped
narcissism enshrined
desires deified and
freedom is transformed into
slavery as our whims
thrust sex into degradation-
used merely as a
recreational activity by
one's self-inflictions or
with willing actors
outdoing one another to
win the Oscar for
Best Performance in an
Erotic Fantasy...
bodies...even our own...
are there to be "used" to
satiate our
infinite cravings which are
viewed as "natural"...
"God-given" and "normal"
to be obsessed as objects
for our compulsions-
no longer as subjects
with inherent Dignity as a
Person created to
share in Divine Life and
treated with
Deference and Respect
so therefore instead of
being our servant-
ruled by our
intellect and will-
sex becomes our
overbearing taskmaster
an OCD-like tyrant who
commands compliance
even morphing into
our primary Identity and
purpose in life
which reaps what it sows
with STD's abounding and
HIV/AIDS destroying
even the innocent...yet
its gravest penalty is the
death of the soul
placing our own desires
above God's Word only to be
drowned in the self-centered mire of sin...
but as powerful a drive as sex is
Grace is more potent to
live a life of Chastity-
the freedom to live God's plan
for human sexuality-
an expression of the
gift of self to our spouse-
the embodied donation of
1 man and 1 woman in marriage-
nature's obvious fit-
which is ordered to the
fruit of children where
each is committed to
the good of the other-
not just an opinion but
an Objective Truth
not hateful and repressive
but loving and liberating-
a symbol of and participation in
Christ's Selfless Gift to His Bride-
the Church- as well as the
Mystical Union of the Trinity-
whether married or single
we are all called to be chaste-
to daily live out God's plan for
sexual love according to our
state-in-life
a fruitful sacrifice of Love to be
lived out day by day...
easy? no....
possible?...only by Grace
yet the power of sex drives
lustful temptation toward
its misuse seemingly
everywhere we turn
and though we may
struggle to be faithful
freedom begins in humility
repentance
surrendering our desires...
minds...hearts and wills to
our Savior and Lord
admitting our need for
His Power in daily prayer
living in the light by
seeking the support of our
brothers and sisters
in the Lord
virtue is gained through
prudent self-discipline
turning our attention
away from temptation's lure
as an Offering of our desire to
love the Lord above all and
whose Intimate Spirit is
within the Temple of our bodies
Chastity is a jewel in the
Crown of Glory
not resulting in a life
unfulfilled
unhappy and
frustrated
but of
Joy in the Beloved-
the Fulfillment of
All Desires

Reflection/Discussion:
-Is Chastity a valued virtue in your life? How?
-What is moral relativism?
-How does a "hook-up culture" degrade people?
-How is self-inflicted sex harmful?
-How do you guard your relationship with the Lord regarding Chastity?
-What does "prudent self-discipline" mean in this context?
-What are the "near occasions of sin" in your life?
-What support do you have for a chaste life?
-What is the "natural law" argument for one man, one woman marriage?


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

The Dream

sorrow's incense leaked from the
silent recesses of my soul
marking the throes of a death-watch
endured through years of
vain determination to
revive a broken bond
ultimately arriving at it's
predetermined destination
a dream of married love
in the Lord which
never seemed to
take direction
but honestly
never really began
four loves brought joy
though never enough to
prevent the inevitable
decades' days desperately seeking a
faint light of clarity
yielded only confusion as
mourning began each day and
night awoke the
darkness of dejection
my sowing of other unions'
purported joy
reaped a harvest of
self-pity gathered into
sheaves of depression when
facing the loss of divorce
unanswered questions impelled
counsel's futile intervention
friendship's relative support
somewhat lightened
the crux of my burden but
nevertheless produced
isolation even in company
while prayer's indiscernible fruit
grasped at faith's blinded insight
yet even with the compassionate
Lord's Hand in mine
I could barely measure Comfort's
meager consequence while
trekking in the valley of shadows
kindled a grief as yet unknown by the
piling on of our young loves'
unasked questions
arising from our unasked-for decision
as insufficient explanations
stripped away their precious familiarity
ripping apart security's mantle by
having to digest the
forced feedings of brokenness in the
silent wonderings of their young hearts
still
we banished enmity with
mutual respect never
speaking ill of the other in their company
always mindful of our
treasures' delicate nature
then at long last
the sigh of my relief' echoed in the twilight
as I departed without fanfare though
agony's companionship
accompanied my mitigated hope
for years to come
Love's supplication proved daunting to
carry my cross
share His burden
heal the wounds with
Grace to forgive-
little by little to
let go of the loss
surrender to a greater Love
offering far more than dreams
trusting that
somehow
someway
sometime
the Lord will
bring about some good
out of all this mess
as a shoot of New Life-
moistened by tears-
sprouted imperceptibly

Reflection/Discussion:
-How can you overcome the isolation of divorce?
-How can both parties make it "easier" for the children?
-How can the Church support the divorcing couple?
-How can you support a friend getting divorced? 
-What part does suffering play in the Christian Life?


Friday, August 2, 2013

The Lover

the unexpected Presence
bearing a startling Revelation
pierced my heart-
an arrow of Light
entwined with conviction
so bright 
so provoking
so Other
I dared not peek
as I cried in anguish at the
Truth reflecting back at me
through the veil of Holiness
as Mercy undeserved poured
from my Savior's Chalice bearing
unbearable debt strained
by Compassion's filter
lifted my soul from
guilt's quagmire
leaving me weightless of
sin's burden and
certain that I was lifted in Love
borne by a forgiveness unearned
yet ...in weakness I fumed-
angered that my
own idolatry was the
answer to my petitions
lo all these months to
show me ALL of my sins
so as to repent and be free
to know the Joy of  Liberty
this unveiling surpassed
my naive petitions
propelling me to ask in awe
as Mercy cascaded over me...
why... why do you Love me so
without reservation or judgement?
how is it that I am
so generously received when
I have been so
pitifully self-absorbed and
enamored with my own image?
the answer came
so clearly
so simply...
'That is Who I Am 
a Turning is all I Desire'
an amazed acceptance was
my only response to...
so heavy a Presence
so taken the weight
so dark the burden
so great the flow of tears
so Light the One
in Patience Thirsting for
hearts to come home             
spurned too often by
His Beloveds- an ongoing 
Calvary- yet...everything 
changes when
Love is encountered
then embraced and
the hard way commenced
through the narrow gate so...
ask and
you shall receive 
seek and
you shall find
knock and
it will be opened
as the 
Holy One of Israel...
Creator of Heaven and Earth...
Eternal and Immutable...
King of Kings...
Lord of Lords...
Savior of the World 
becomes
your Lover

Reflection/Discussion:
-Are experiences like the one described earned? Why/not?
-What place do feelings have in our Faith experience?]
-What do the saints say?
-How can we come closer to the Lord?
-Do you have a daily prayer time? Why/not?
-Describe you prayer time.


Thursday, July 25, 2013

The Hour

it is upon us
so it begins
we descend into darkness
into the enemy's hands
persecution justified by
pretentious progressive machinations
in the name of human rights
but in reality is
human degradation
majorities become minorities
when deception converts the
masses into believing
right is wrong and
wrong is right
vacuous opinions serving as facts
with only force as a foundation
laws become instruments of
enforcing the latest logical extension of
relative principles conceived in
enlightened imaginations
devoid of tolerance
while nature's law enhanced by
revelation becomes supposedly the
trivial pursuit of
ancient prejudices clothed in
modern sophistries of
religious neanderthals who have
no regard for human advancement and
deserve whatever ill
may come their way
faithful followers of Jesus
become the hunted prey of
social exterminators wearing the
regalia of authority making
melodramatic accusations of
hate and bigotry 
against everything that doesn't 
fit their latest woke truism 
no matter how ridiculous their
take on reality proves to be
just as long as no one observes that
the emperor has no clothes on but
wheat must be separated
from the chaff-
renewal of the Body
through purification's fire-
how long that takes is providential
but salvation or damnation
is at stake
the time of apostasy has arrived
though it won't be
viewed as such
rather only as being
open-minded
tolerant and
non-judgmental
updating doctrine for
today's culture...
trials and tribulations
hatred and ridicule
await Jesus' disciples who
resist the world's pressure to
cave to their tyrannical
new world order of
humanitarian ideals
which in reality only serve to
tighten the grip of the
ancient adversary
whose way is wide and easy
while hidden by
authoritarian arguments
from a new generation of
rebellious minions...
be prepared to
speak the Truth in Love
stand firm in the Lord and
in the Power of the Holy Spirit for
the hour is here

Reflection/Discussion:
-Where do you see persecution happening in our culture?
-How does it affect you?
-How are you growing in your relationship with Jesus?
-What are you doing to deepen your understanding of Christian Morality?
-What does it mean to "speak the Truth in Love"?
-How can you Love your enemies?
-If enemies looked at your life, would it merit persecution? Why/not?

 


 


Friday, July 19, 2013

The Desert

barren
without direction
a journey with
limited results
unsuccessful attempts
rooted in supposed
holy desires
searching for fruition
losses too heavy to carry
blur my vision of trust
while petitions ending in
endless frustration
leaves me to question
my motives even
my decisions of surrender
each peeling away
layers of self
mired in the world
reactions not founded in Love
weaknesses open to
deadly spiritual sins
motivate me to seek
Grace's intervention
cleansing bit by bit
slowly discovering a
glimmer of Light
leading upward
squinting for clarity
sensing yet again to
let go of the lesser
though lofty goal to
serve the mission of the One
though often chained to
self's centrality
for the more pure
union of a Lover
release me
from myself to
embrace surrender in
everything to You
jealous for my heart to
burn with
singular Passion
despite being
beyond my power to
complete which begs for
You to make it so since
I cannot
this invitation is
painfully grasped
without assurances of
perseverance in
surrendering my control
leaning not on my own
understanding while
acknowledging His Lordship
provides an inkling of Trust in the
night's caressing breeze and
captures a Promise to
work all things for good
though now unseen and
unfelt while living in
suspended space

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is the Desert?
-Where is the hope in this poem?
-How does a desert experience fit into faith?
-Is it "normal" in our faith development? Why/not?
-How have you experienced something akin to the desert? Expain.
-How do you deal with the desert experience? 
-How does the desert purify you?
-Is this something to desire? Why/not?

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Hope

hope comes from faith
is rooted in the Love
of the One who first loved us
but in the face of death...
trial and sorrow that overwhelms
our puny defenses
why’s so often triumph
over hope
in the face of seemingly
overpowering odds
questions pierce our armor
and deal dark blows to our souls:
who can understand loss?
why is this happening to me?
this is so unfair
where's the justice in all this?
others seem to get off scot-free
so why me?
this is too much...
I can't take all this...
when's this going to end?
I'm not feeling much hope 
about this...where's the promise that
all things work for good
for those who love him?
I don’t see it
I don’t feel it
only darkness surrounds me and 
the Light of the world doesn't 
seem to be interested...maybe
too busy to take notice...
the One who said He
will always be with us
seems to have forgotten me...
I know He isn’t a liar but
maybe He was exaggerating 
a little bit...but
comfort avoids me
no matter how much I beg
the trial goes on and on
without any certitude nor
end in sight... 
but His Word stands firm
it doesn’t waver
it doesn’t collapse
in the face of dark powers
it’s light beacons hope
even when feelings fail
faith in the One who bore
our pain and carried our sorrows
who suffered for our wrongs
who walked through the valley of death
sharing our trials and aloneness
lifts us up by the Spirit's Strength
it is His Power not mine that
buoys my soul when I cannot
He is the One who touches us
when we cannot feel His embrace
He is the One who loves us
when we feel we are unlovable
He is the One who carries us
when we cannot walk anymore
Hope is in Him because by 
Grace Alone we can believe
even when we are numb-
not feeling faith / hope-
doesn’t mean we are conquered
it only means we need others
to help us bear the burden
of our calling right now...
it's a stark reminder of our
humble human condition that
needs a Savior...is dependent
on Grace...needs purification
shows our need for More than
what is seen...touched...the 
material limitations around us... 
are we not called to an eternal 
fulfillment which points beyond
these pitiful limits?
does not the love of others
manifest His Heart of Comfort?
do not His wounds and scars-
still visible in Risen flesh-
cry for us to come to Him
in Trusting Hope that we too 
will Rise someday with Him...
this too shall pass...His Grace
is sufficient for me and that
a Graceful flower shall blossom 
from this seed of sorrow 
telling a story of hope-filled
re-creation by this sharing of 
His Passion bringing a Union
that was beyond my own making...
trial and sorrow can conquer us 
but they can also bring us closer
to the One who first loved us and
who will never leave us nor 
forsake us...Faithful...our Rock...
Fortress...our Eternal Hope

Reflection / Discussion:

-Describe some challenging trials you have endured.
-How were you tested?
-What were the ups and downs involved?
-Where did the Lord fit into your experiences?
-How did you grow through these trials?
-What did you learn?
-What would you do differently the nest time?
-Let us be grateful even for the hard times. His is still Lord.

Faith

faith
is your faith real or
only words?
how do you know?
by the fruit it bears when
lives are changed
sin is overcome
habits of death are 
starved by the gospel and
Life’s treasures are uncovered
what is the measure of true faith?
obedience
it is only when
faith is lived out in
obedience to His Word
as taught in His Body
passed down from
the beginning
only then can
faith be secure and
grow in fruitfulness for
faith and obedience
go hand in hand
it is easy to say
I am a believer
not so with
I am obedient
picking and choosing
what I believe and
what I obey
only makes a Pharisee
love demands consistency
in belief and action
faith is expressed in truth
truth is expressed in obedience
obedience is expressed in fidelity
it's easy to talk ‘faith talk’
it’s easy to feign fidelity
it’s easy to push one’s own agenda
in the name of faith but
not so much when
crucifixion
is at stake
it is in giving over our self...
values...plans...will...control that
faith encounters trust
and trust encounters love
Jesus is the model of
trust and love
Mary and the disciples
demonstrate how to
believe...trust...love
their Lord and Savior
blood was spilled in the
holding fast of faith
not in the transitory gains of
self's willful choice
faith will grow when we
put ourselves in a position of
service and readiness to
obey the One who
Obeyed His Farther and
Believed His Word
even when it lead to
His Death
so which way will you go?
which path are you following
the way of self-will or the
way of death to self?
it is only in asking plainly
and simply that you will
find your answer...
are you ready to give away your life?
are you willing to put aside
your vision of the kingdom for
the Way of the Kingdom of Heaven
handed down...codified in His Word
guarded and proclaimed by His Church?
Faith in obedient response
proves the Truth of belief
as it is rooted in righteousness
not letting itself be
deceived by disobedience
in a faith
gutted of Truth

Reflection / Discussion:

-How can you tell True Faith vs Feigned Faith?
-How do Faith and Obedience go hand-in-hand?
-What are some examples in today's Church ?
-What is Modernism? 
-What are some examples?
-Why is it a heresy?
-How can you grow in Faith?
-How does Scripture and Tradition fit into one's Faith?

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

The Resting Place

                                                                                                                          
silence boasts dawn’s darkness
winter winds
searching for a direction
empty hearts 
longing to be filled
infinite desires
needing more than limitations
illusions of meaning 
fighting for survival
restlessness 
crying for cessation
Love 
knocking on lonely doors
breaking bread 
on heaven’s table 
turning wheat 
into earth's salvation
seeing with closed eyes 
the One unseen
life receiving the Gift 
of a Death freely given as
night blossoms 
into Light while tears fall 
in sorrow and joy when 
I encounters Thou and
my journey turns from
seeking to finding in
my Treasure's
Resting Place

Reflection/Discussion:
-How do our many desires speak of the eternal?
-What is the Resting Place sought?
-With what do you identify in this poem?
-How do we deal with our earthly desires after finding The Resting Place?
-How do we bring order into disordered desires?
-How do you go from seeking to finding?

Friday, June 21, 2013

The As If

realities sometimes are
taken for granted
relationships often suffer
from just that
so it is with Faith
Hope and Love...
Sacred Scripture
Confession
going to Mass
Communion
Grace before meals
Sign of the Cross
Rosary
Commandments...
Love the Lord your God with
all your heart and
your neighbor as yourself
Jesus died and rose
the Gift of the Holy Spirit
you are My witnesses
proclaim the Good News to
every creature...
yeah...I know...God is Love...
how many times have we
heard that before?
so...what else is new?
ho-hum, what time's the game?...
work's a killer this week...
hey...what's going on this weekend?...
too many things to think about...
too many ingrained habits...
easier to 'get along' than to
'get going' even when
we call ourselves Catholic and 
'lukewarm' is too 'hot' 
a description for us
but....
What would my life look like if
I ACTUALLY LIVED
AS IF...
Jesus REALLY DID die for... ME?
He IS ALIVE and REAL and
LIVES IN ME and is
PASSIONATELY IN LOVE with me
and WANTS to have a 
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH ME...
I AM a Son of God...
God IS my Father...
I CAN trust Him...
I DO have the Power of the Holy Spirit...
I actually DO HAVE His Gifts and He
WANTS me to use them...
Jesus IS REALLY present in the Eucharist...
He is ABSOLUTELY HOLY and I am not... 
He wants to USE ME to bring others to know Him
He HEARS ME when I speak to Him and
He DOES want to Speak to me...
He WANTS to ABIDE in me....
He wants to BEAR MY SORROWS...
He wants to HEAL my inner wounds...
He wants to LOVE others through ME...
He IS my joy and peace...
He IS my All in All...
what if I ACTUALLY Lived
AS IF it were ALL TRUE?
where do I begin?
how about I
ASK JESUS: how DON'T I live AS IF...
then Repent / Change my mind and
BELIEVE the Good News...and
BEGIN TODAY to Live AS IF.....
because.....
IT IS ALL TRUE!!

Reflection/Discussion:
-What practical things can you do to live each day "AS IF"?
-Where will you begin?
-How can you keep on living "as if"?
-Pray, act, speak, live "as if"...........
-Be accountable to someone.
-Join a men's/women's group of believers

Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Denudation

not content
with the state of
our Intimacy -
an inability to
receive more
always much more than
we can process
the Spirit strips us of
our false securities
whatever is not
God Alone-
props for a
self-sufficiency
unfounded in reality-
through perfectly
tailored  trials -
storms that rage -
ripping away
treasured stabilities
one at a time but
sometimes
all at once
leaving us disoriented...
feeling alone / abandoned
by a faith depersonalized and
stretched beyond capacity 
causing us to yearn for a
relief that doesn't come on
our own terms
neatly protected
under tight control...  
we resist this
tearing away of
self's enthronement
without the light of a
clear vision or the
strength of our previous
self-confidence...
tribulations reveal
our hidden sins /
foundational weaknesses -
now front and center -
fruits of the world...the
flesh and the devil...
anger...
envy / jealousy...
fear / mistrust...
self-pity...
self-centeredness...
self-reliance...
self-will
pride that hides
our faults or wants to 
rebelliously hold on to them...
seeking comfort in the
flesh not the Lord
but a  New Way is proposed -
Dependence / Surrender -
because there is
nothing else that works...
a new-found trust
not tasted or touched
but only sensed
faintly
not all at once
but partially as
we seek Him
faithfully
day by day
yielding our desires
letting go of
knowing better than
Infinite Wisdom
we learn
unsought lessons
necessary for holiness -
a poverty of spirit
to begin with -
producing a tiny opening to
receive a river of
Power from above
rooted in a Love
stripping us of everything
but the Cross
The prime example 
to train us into
Patient Endurance...
Sacrificial Love...
the Sufficiency of Grace in
Courageous Surrender
bearing a Peace and Joy that
surpasses understanding
born through
the process of
Denudation

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is denudation?
-Why does this happen?
-Is this "normal" in the Christian Life? Why/not?
-What is "poverty of spirit"?
-Do you hide your true self? Why? How can that change?
-How can we support one another through this?
-How should we handle this when it happens?
-What is "Courageous Surrender"?

Saturday, March 30, 2013

The Assumption

do not assume
that lines to receive
Me have first
received Me into
their hearts as
Lord and Savior
it is not so
few are disciples
who daily
seek My Face
worship My Presence
love Me above all
renounce sin
speak My Truth
trust through trials
suffer with Me
witness unto death
many have departed
from the simplicity
of the Cross
the call to repentance to
leave all behind
take up that Cross to
come after Me
do not dance the
dance of fear
nor intimidation to
speak My Word of
conversion of heart
all that fail to decide
have in that very fact
decided not to follow
and are in
eternal danger
My Grace is always
being offered
ready to be revealed
even to be rejected
My tears still flow for
My wayward children
entrapped in the lures of
the world
believing the lies of
the enemy
satisfied with the minimum
yet living for themselves and
whose faces
show up even
on Sunday
beware of the assumption
you are called to more

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is "The Assumption"?
-Do you think it is accurate? Why/not?
-What are the signs, since no one knows the heart but God?
-How can we help bring about revival in the Church?
-What about your life? Where do you stand?
-What is your calling?

Sunday, March 24, 2013

The Promised

in the beginning
hovering over waters
out of chaos forming
elements into precision 
life into being
I was sent for
Creation's Splendor
then in time
Promised for
dreaming dreams  
seeing visions
speaking Divine Words by
Daughters and Sons
an outpouring for all
who Passionately seek to
drink deeply of 
Glory's Might   
yet for a while to
prepare the way
I was sent to a chosen few
charged with 
uttering the Prophetic 
“come back” to
My wayward people of
seesawing faithfulness 
again Promised until
at the appointed time
I hovered over the Anointed One
revealed as the Son
in a Baptism for an
eternal purpose and to 
speak Truths with a
Power beyond human reckoning
revealing a Knowledge of the Divine
proved by Signs and Wonders
until at last after 
Passion's payment
death’s conquest by
Resurrection's Revelation
and the waiting was ended by 
hovering Tongues of Fire
and a Gale Force
releasing fear’s bondage as
barriers were transcended
Holy Names of Glory
proclaimed in languages for all
freedom’s bestowal brought
the Promise to fruition
as much as each could receive 
freely offered with
miraculous Gifts of
Power to Heal
Deliver from bondage
Know the unknown
speak Prophetic Words
Worship in
angelic Tongues
live a persevering call
for combat above and
victory below
Strength through weakness
dying to self for
an Intimacy Divine to
Proclaim a Risen Savior
and Lord of All
New Life for all who respond
which remains
today's challenge for a
world enslaved to sin
but...Remember this...
a Gift left unclaimed
withers on the vine...
neglect and choice
leave Me untapped...
meager expectations only
restrain unlimited Power
so asking in faith is a
prerequisite for Grace to
release the answer
when knocking and
seeking to find  a
Power born of
Mystical Breath
yet after all is
said and done
be aware of this...
in your re-creation 
after years of tasting sweetness 
even as My Fire ignites your soul
touching you in depths unfathomed
with Gifts undeserved 
in Wondrous Signs
stirring Life to new heights
with Love-drenched
tears overflowing in
Intimate tenderness
taking you from
Glory to Glory into
Realms of Holiness
Beyond Imaginations...
still...
there
is
MORE...

Reflection/Discussion:
-How would you summarize "The Promised"?
-What does "a Gift unclaimed withers on the vine" mean?
-What are your expectations regarding the Holy Spirit?
-What do you believe about the Gifts of the Spirit?
-Are you seeking more of the Spirit? Why/not? 
-Practically, what can I do to "earnestly desire the spiritual gifts"?
-What is the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit"?

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Heaven

beyond everything
I could ever dream
describe or desire
Heaven would have it
no other way
only an Infinite
all Powerful God
could Create
such a Reward that I
as a human being
so finite in my thinking but
so Infinite in my longing
would still be
so Exalted yet
so humbled by the
Otherness of it All
the overwhelming
Godliness of  Life Eternal
leaving me staring so
starry-eyed at the One
who Died and Rose 
for me so that I could 
be enveloped in the 
Mystery of the Father
Son and Holy Spirit with
all the Saints of History
and Angelic Hosts singing
in harmonious Praise 
so Joy-filled that the end is
Eternally beginning
Eternally new
Eternally Glorious
that words can only repeat
Love’s Intimate Repast
as sighs climax  the
Infinite language of Union
so breathtaking that
I can only revel in
His Enduring Embrace
what have I ever done to
inherit such a One
now seen face to Face?
nothing
not one thing
only Mercy begs acceptance
so agonizing in earthly life
now only a
vague distant dream
so worth the trials
producing a Purification
which then cried for relief
despite being too
Fruitful to postpone 
having been Transformed by
Grace-filled responses to life's
sometimes overwhelming challenges
where only Trust could barely
manage all the myriad blinds
offering no way out except
holding His Hand
now my
tears are dried
heartaches healed
fears removed
wounds mended
limitations eliminated
no more surrounding me
no more binding me
no more
now only
unfading Glory
lies before me
unending Joy
even overwhelming
imagination's
fantasies
.
Reflection/Discussion:
-Describe "Heaven".
-What is the "Otherness of it all" mean?
-How do trials prepare us for Heaven?
-Why was "holding His Hand" necessary?
-Where does Mercy fit in getting to Heaven?
-Is it easier to imagine Heaven or Hell? Why?
-How does thinking about the 4 last things help us now?
-Where does Purgatory fit-in?

Saturday, March 2, 2013

The Way

one
there is only
one way to
Eternal Union-
Holiness unbridled-
that way is
death to self...
born into slavery to
ego's enthronement
we are sold out to
have our own way in life
self-will our idol
pride demands its
recognition often in
secret machinations
hidden even from ourselves
sometimes donning
professions of
heavenly desires- the
twisted deception of a
blinded humanity-
only Grace-won by
Our Savior's Gift-
reveals the Truth
peals back the veil of
sin's deep wounding
only Grace enables us to
admit our inability to
overcome it's
tentacles entwining
layers of consciousness
only Grace
received through Mercy
loosens the hold of
self-reliance
addictions to the false
security of transitory
tangible titles
personality
wealth
reputation
worldly pleasures
sometimes even
ministry
anything but
Jesus Himself
prying our fingers off the
death grip on our
being-in-control to
being willing to
obey that He may be Glorified
seek Him alone
let go of this life-
so precious to us-
that we find Rest in
God Alone and
the template of Calvary
becomes our
pattern of Surrender
"not My will but
Thine be done"
this is only a
work of Grace
and a work in progress
a process of sanctification-
letting go and putting on
through trials / tribulations-
undertaken in weakness
recognizing that the
battle is within while
learning to depend on a
Love beyond our strength to
lay down my life
give oneself away
serve the other
wash feet with His Love
in grateful humility
day by day
come what may

Reflection/Discussion:
-How does the poem describe "The Way"?
-What was most meaningful about "The Way" to you?
-Where are you along "The Way"?
-What areas in your life are you trying to control?
-How do trials / tribulations sanctify us? Describe your experience.
-What are the areas in your life in which you experience your weakness?
-What is the Lord saying to you now? 
-Where can you get support to live out your Faith?

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

The Son

He was always there for me
our bond like no other
His beginning-
shrouded in Mystery-
was such a blessing and
so Gracious a Gift that
I could only humbly accept
He was always a joy
with a heart and strength like his father
but even when understanding was
beyond my grasp I knew
He was more
Divine than He appeared and yet
always so playful but also
oh so serious
with an intent and purpose
always beyond His years
presenting me with more to
ponder than I could ever fathom
still He could never refuse my requests
a little game we always played
which carried on even after He left home
but then His Anointing propelled 
Him into the desert and immediately
He began a journey filled with wonders and
words spoken with an Authority I
only had seen once before...still
I could sense a sorrow was coming
even if He had not said so Himself
though it was far beyond even
imagination's boundaries
I was not prepared for the
anguish that overwhelmed me
the sounds and smells
the brutality and degradations
but most of all the look
when our eyes met was
more than I could bear
the sword of sorrow
piercing my heart
came once more
when He said
His last words to me
echoing our past to
continue my mother's care
for the many souls to follow
I could only nod and look away
wondering how I could ever
get beyond my grief when
a final cry of surrender
was all that was left
'till I held Him one last time
while kissing His Face with tears
I tried to hope in His promise

Reflection/Discussion:
-How does "The Son" describe Mary and Jesus' relationship?
-What aspect of their relationship attracts you?
-Do you think "a little game we always played" describes reality? Why/not?
-How does this poem compare to "The Mother Mary"?
-What part does Mary play in your life?
-How can she help in your relationship with her Son?


Friday, February 22, 2013

The Gospel

the wonder of Grace
a Truth revealed
bestowed without merit
upon humanity by the
Cross of Christ
remains ridiculed
hushed to avoid
any hint of
judging behavior
this world's most
unforgivable transgression
relativism's reduction to
self-justification
eliminates wrongdoing and
where there is no sin
there is no sinner
no need of a Savior
where there is no captivity
there is no deliverance
where there is no vice
there is no virtue
where there is no guilt
there is no redemption
the Gospel of the sinless Lamb
Sacrificed for His flock
is relegated  to a fairy tale
clothing the deluded
in garbs of
ancient myths
chivalry from ages past
mocked by moderns
bent on bowing before 
mirror's image
but evil
though denied
prospers everywhere
building upon itself
temples of deceit
justifying everything
in the name of
feeling's enthronement
where what I believe
is true reigns because
I say it is
but
truth is objective
not what we
say it is
feelings do not
determine veracity
reality does
identity is given
not created
nature is bestowed
not chosen
body and soul
are united in
one being
not separate
we are not figments of
imagination's creativity
made merely for
self-indulgence
slaves to our impulses
rather
revelation's testimony discloses
each is Created in the
Image of God with
freedom for Glory
favored with Dignity to share an
Eternal Union with Divinity
an Intimate Marriage of
person to Person
though fragile and imperfect
known and loved as we are
received through repentance
so let us choose to surrender
our hearts to Jesus as
Our Lord and Savior
the One who
formed us in the womb
died for our sins
rose to New Life
called us by name
given us the Power of
the Holy Spirit  to follow Him
liberty to live as
Sons and Daughters of the Father
to experience the
Love of Him who first
Loved us
healed and set free
from sin and the
grasp of the evil one  to
grow in holiness
persevere through trials
listen for His quiet voice 
share His Love with others
witness by our lives to the
One who is
Alive and Real
Faithful unto death

Reflection/Discussion:
-What does "The Gospel" say about truth?
-What does "feelings do not determine veracity, reality does" mean?
-How does "The Gospel" describe the Gospel? 
-What is the false image of the Gospel presented in today's culture?
-What is "relativism" and how would you refute it?
-Prepare a brief (5 minute) sharing of the Gospel.
-Prepare a brief personal testimony of how you became a Catholic/Christian.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The Healing

forever assuming
abandonment by
an uncaring Father
leaving orphan wounds
of mistrust / insecurity
when sorrow's arrow
stops turning
pointing to its target
in my heart
a recurring nightmare
of loss
disturbing daily life
without apologizing
for its intrusions
reliving yesterday's pain today
without the benefit of
tomorrow's perspective
despite the protest
from my soul
rebellious emotions 
squander faith's savings
only to discourage
an embattled belief
struggling to stay afloat
buffeted by turbulent seas of
unanswerable questions
rescue resounds
when Grace is released
through prayer's supplication
and a trusted shoulder of
the Man of Sorrows is
resurrected in my soul
bearing my burden
carrying my cross
soothing my sorrows
speaking
words of comfort
softly
relieving my ache
tenderly
knowing my frailness 
without remembering
my doubts
based on fear's
terrible fortune
only Sacrificial Love
can offer Mercy to 
offenders bringing 
balm to bruises while
overcoming heartache
with an embrace of 
never-ending assurance
providing relief
though only temporarily  
knowing that acceptance
ushering peace is
intermittent but
growth is ensured
healing measured
yet sustained   
despite
the challenge of
conflicted hope as
memories persist and
agonies fade 

Reflection/Discussion:
-How does "The Healing" describe dealing with loss?
-How can we let Jesus "bear our burden and carry our cross"?
-What does "the challenge of conflicted hope" mean?
-What are "orphan wounds"?
-What does "memories persist and agonies fade" mean?
-How does sharing with others help?
-How has your healing changed you?

 

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Hell

-Fires of Hell?
 it doesn’t exist
 how could it?
 God is Love
 He wouldn't allow
 such a place to be
-a ridiculous myth of
 fear-mongering by
 over-zealous Neanderthal 
 control freaks
-who cares? I'll do what I
 want when I want
-this life is all that matters
-doesn't fit my belief system
-not worth thinking about
-probably not that bad
-no one's going there anyway
 everyone's going to be saved
-f bomb hell
but...
what if it exists because we
want it to exist so
we could go there?
just like in the beginning when
angels chose to be devils...
chose not to bow down to
anyone but themselves
what if it exists because it
most aptly defines who we are?
what if we wanted the
darkness and death of
sin's deceitful pleasures?...
Created with the
dignity of free will
would not God allow us to
freely reject Him
no matter what
the consequences?
refusing Love
choosing to live by
our own rules
we enthrone our
ideologies
passions
desires
as gods being
independent
self-centered
rebellious
entitled to be
worshiped / adored
all leading
back to a Self more
precious and deserving than
the One who 
holds the Keys of
Life and Death
where each is king
ruling kingdoms of
fantasy and bowing to no One
in this way
hell exists because
it is a reality of choice
a pattern of living death
centered around
some other thing
rather than the
Lord of Heaven and Earth
who offers Freedom
from the bondage of
inherited and
deliberate sin
received only through
repentance /
conversion of heart
a decision to give oneself
in mutual love and service
to the One who Died and 
Rose to bring us New and
Eternal Life but
when that is refused
we separate ourselves
from the God of Love
rejecting the Way 
Revealed in His Word 
embracing Self as 
all-in-all which is only
Justly continued and fulfilled
eternally after death
so then... Mercy's Grace
remains an Offer till the end
as does freedom's call for Justice
to all passing through the
Gates of Eternity
so... Choose carefully 
remembering 'not to choose 
is to choose' because
“wide is the gate and broad
is the road leading to destruction,
and many enter through it
small is the gate and
narrow is the road
that leads to eternal life
and only a few
find it.”

 Reflection/Discussion:
-What is the description of "Hell"?
-How is hell a "reality of choice"?
-Why don't we talk about hell?
-How do mercy and justice coexist in a God of Love?
-What does "conversion of heart" mean? 
-Do you think many people go to hell? Why/not?
-What does Scripture say about who goes to hell?
-What does the Church teach about hell?                              

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Judgement

it’s over
only the Final Review remains
time has come to a stop
there is only the present
my "future" is to be judged by my past
death was but an instant
passing with a final breath
as quickly as light travels
now I must come before the Judge
the One who paid the Price for my
Salvation's possibility
He endured the
rigors of torment 
conquering death
offering New Life to
all who listened and
Chose to walk in His Ways
clearly written on our hearts by
nature's revelation and
Declared in His written Word...
my own response
now viewed only too clearly
began in childhood's fantasies
fervent imaginations
spurred by holy pictures
with rhyming bedtime prayers
laying me down to sleep...
teenage rebellion
loosened my footings
setting me upon wide paths
exploring delights
without pangs of deterrence...
career and marriage
brought a new seriousness
into perspective
children helped of course
somehow though
life got so busy
schedules
bills
marriage problems
job stress
kids in college...
my wife was always
the spiritual one
I would go to Church
but she took the lead
because she knew
I was never really
comfortable with it all
nor felt that connected but
I didn't fight it either
kind of 'go along to 
get along'...
I guess you might have
called me 'lukewarm'
but in my defense
I never really
heard what some people
have said was the
'Good News'
but I knew in the
back of my mind
that my Final Exam
would be on
what I have done
both good and bad and
what I failed to do
I guess
that is only fair and just-
upon what else could I be judged?
I guess I could have done
things differently but
I lived my life the way I saw fit
no one forced me to act or not act
and when I regressed
it was up to me to
change or not
who twisted my arm?
no one
who forced me to turn back or not?
no one
if I continued acting in the same way
who compelled me?
no one
the choice was always mine
it was always that way
for me and for everyone
whoever I am
I chose freely to be
now
it's over
now
it's too late to change
who I am
looking back
I did became more resolute
chose to try harder
but
sometimes
I went
back and forth...then
suddenly...
I died...
and now?

Reflection/Discussion: 
-Describe the man portrayed in "Judgement".
-Do you think his life is a common experience? Why/not?
-How could it have been different?
-What does "lukewarm" mean in this context?
-What would you say to help him?
-How can we make sure that everyone hears the Good News?
-Why don't we talk about the last judgement?
-Why isn't the last judgement talked about in Church?
-How can the last judgement impact your daily life?
-What is the Lord saying to you through this poem?

Thursday, January 31, 2013

The Outsider

I walked away so...
I had no say...
I can't believe I did that...
she was my daughter
and I had no say
whether she lived or died -
how insane is that? -
it sucks...I was goin' nuts...
a lot of other guys wouldn't 
give a damn but...I did though
I wasn't in a place where I
could do anything about it...
her Mom didn't want me in her life
so I wasn't 'free' to save my baby...
I had no choice...so
I took the 'easy' way out- but
in reality it wasn't that easy...
I wanted to take care of my baby but
I felt like I had to back off....
I loved her Mom- especially after
I knew we were going to
have a baby girl...
it drove me crazy that
I could lose my baby...
I wanted to be a Dad -
I didn’t want anything
to happen to her...
I felt so responsible...
we didn’t expect to get pregnant...
we thought we were being careful
but things happen...
even in the best of circumstances
then when we found out...
everything fell apart
what I thought was a good relationship
turned out to be more one-sided and
finally the truth came out-
she was leaving me and
with her went my daughter...
her Mom was so confused...
depressed...
it was agony watching her
close the door
without even saying goodbye...
phone calls went unanswered
knocks echoed in an empty hallway...
what if she didn’t want my baby girl?  
what if she felt she couldn’t handle it all?
what if she couldn’t bear to
give our baby up for adoption?
my daughter would die and
me with her -
even though everyone says
it’s the mother’s choice 
she was my baby too but
her Mom didn’t care about my feelings...
I felt so powerless 
I tried praying for the first time
in a long time...
I begged the Lord to save her - to
help her Mom to
know I’d be there for her -
if He cared at all for my daughter
He'd save her...
if He was who He said He was 
He wouldn't let her die -
I begged... but...
silence was my answer -
only silence -
nothing more...
then... one day... I got the call...
it was over -
the deed was done -
my baby was gone...
I was numb...
I couldn’t say anything so 
I just hung up...
why Lord?
why did you let this happen?
if you are so Powerful... so Loving...
supposed to be the Lord of all 
why didn't you stop her from
killing our baby?
why didn’t you do anything?
my girl was helpless
just a tiny baby and
you let her be killed...
what is wrong with you?
if only I could have talked with her Mom...
if I could have just showed her
how much I loved them both...
I didn’t understand...   
I was really pissed...
and frustrated...
the why’s and 'if only's' kept intruding but
nothing resolved my questions-
no answers were good enough-
and in the desert
of my loss -
for months to come -
I could only weep and mourn for my baby
as I thought of
what could have been-.
the life we could have had together...
a life I can only dream about
and imagine...but then... sometime...
someway... somehow... I began to
have a faint and desperate hope
that I would someday
be reunited with my little girl...
it would be in heaven -
a redemption of this whole mess -
we would finally be united...
we would recognize each other -
see each other face to face... I 
would look into her Mother's eyes 
and I would hug my little girl...
kiss her...
pick her up and
she would screech in delight at
having her daddy
swing her ‘round and ‘round
toss her up in the air
and catch her
laughing / crying in joy...
knowing we would be together -
forever...
please Lord...
make it happen
someday
somehow
someway    

Reflection/Discussion:
-Describe the father's experience.
-How would you answer his protestations to God?
-How common is it for the father to regret an abortion?Why/not?
-What would happen if more men took responsibility for the pregnancy? 
-Why isn't adoption a more frequent option to abortion?
-Why don't we hear very much about fathers who do?
-How can that change?                                                               
-What is the hope for fathers whose child was aborted?
                                                                         











Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Griever

the gift of life-
creation's marvel- is
Mine to give
intended or not by
those bestowed...
this daughter of Mine is
made in My Image
imprinted with My Likeness
sparked with My Eternal Flame
given a call to share My Love-
an Intimacy unmatched-
only hinted at by the
coming together of
man and woman in
breathless wonder 
she has
her mother’s eyes
her father’s smile
but also 
My Heart to serve
My Will to love
imprinted in her soul
precious in My eyes
intended for heroic mercy
destined to bring hope to the
lonely and defenseless
life was torn from her before
seeing the light of day or the
dawn of night
what was designed to be a
time of knitting together
was instead a
tearing apart
unborn by a choice-
not her own-
made by the one closest
yet furthest from her
innate desire to live
she was rejected with
unjustifiable cause
lured by songs of
freedom’s false face
though intended for harm
I make all things new
though left to die alone
she is nearer to Me than the
womb from which
she was wrenched 
though treated as refuse
she is My precious treasure
though rejection
leaves the temporal unfulfilled
she finds eternity waiting for her
in My arms singing
lullabies of Love
with tears of grieving
not only for her but
her mother as well for
each victim has died
one in body
one in spirit
having refused 
freedom's offering
ignored a
proven truth of life
yet
Love conquers for all who
hear and respond to
My Word of New Life
a new choice
by a Grace received
and a reality embraced
a turning away from darkness to
grasp the Light
an offer of salvation and a
forgiveness beyond hope
I hate the sin but
I love the sinner
so much so that I bore
her just punishment
by a sacrifice
without bounds
evil will find justice
unless a turning back is turned
by a heart choosing
unmerited Mercy over the
throne of self
but for now the result is the
cleansing of innocence
leaving only the promise of
healing and hope of
unending reunion
to those who
surrender in trust

Reflection/Discussion:
-How is God described in "The Griever"?
-What does the image of God "singing lullabies of love" convey?
-Why is the Mom a victim as well as the Daughter?
-What does "choosing unmerited mercy over the throne of self" mean?
-What does it mean that God hates the sin but loves the sinner?
-Why doesn't God just stop the evil of abortions?
-Whose responsibility is it to help stop abortions?
-What would you do if someone came to you for help?

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

The Regret

THE REGRET

three
she would have been
three today
her deathday is the
hardest to endure
my thoughts race
remembering
that day as if were
yesterday when
she no longer
grew within me
my feelings were
so  conflicted
especially 
after I saw her image
but I felt so alone
cornered with
no way out
the people at
Planned Parenthood
encouraged me
that it was for the best
it would be ok
I could get on
with my life now
only I found out
I couldn't
I couldn't stop
thinking about her
that she didn't
have a choice in
all of this
her right to life was crushed
darkness began
to overtake me
I lost interest
in everything
if it wasn't for
my family I
wouldn't be here now
it was that way
far too long
then I heard about
a retreat called
Rachel's Vineyard
it was different
I found acceptance there
courage to face
my past decision
I experienced forgiveness
from the Lord
myself and
my little girl
it was almost like 
she was praying for me to
turn back to the Lord
surrender my life to
follow Him
wherever He leads                                                                                 
and slowly
things began to change
I  resolved to
help others not to
make the same mistake
to bring His Love where
heartache reigns
I still regret it all
but when it gets
most difficult
like today
I join my sorrow
with His
for other Moms to
save their little ones
still
I have a hope
that the Lord will
bring us together again
but this time
with open arms

Reflection/Discussion:
-Describe the Mom's experience.
-How common is it for women to regret their abortion?
-How does "The Regret" relate to "The Daughter"?
-How can some women NOT regret their abortion?
-What steps can a post-abortion Mom take to find peace?
-What part does forgiveness play?
-What is the hope offered in this poem?  Real or not real? Why?
-What can you do to support Moms who are thinking of aborting their child? 

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

The Third Day

as the
third day dawned
sorrow's silent dirge
persistent yet
unwelcomed
finally spurred me to
His resting place
longing for a comfort
that only He could impart
heartbroken
my tears vainly
sought to mend my
open wound created by
His Passion's agony
a loss daily endured
now made unbearable by
His disappearance
empty garments
enshrined the mystery
announced by
radiant messengers
which only
added to my confusion
till my Devotion's Identity-
at first unrecognized-
Caressed my name
revealing that familiar
Tenderness which forgave 
so much and now Anointed 
me with Healing Joy even
without any embrace for
Love's Mission to bring 
this Good News which
purposed my soul and 
wedded my spirit to 
His as now all things 
were made New...

Reflection/Discussion:

-Describe Mary Magdalene's experience.
-What does "wedded my spirit to His" mean?
-What does "Caressed my name" communicate?
-Do you think He "Caresses" your name?
-If yes, how have you experienced that?
-If you don't know or don't believe so, why?
-Do you experience the joy of the Resurrection? Why/not?
-How can you grow in joy?
-Why is all this 'Good News'?
-What is your Mission?