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.

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'?

                                               

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?

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?

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.

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?

 


 

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?

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?

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?

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

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"?

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?

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"?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?

 

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?                              

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?

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?

                                                                         

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?

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? 

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?