The Child

The Everyman

Unbelieved

Despite witness's message

Everyman needed evidence

Even as belief’s desire beckoned

Seeing is believing his legacy

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?

-If you don't Believe, why not?

-What would it take to 'Accept Jesus into your life'?

-How can you help others to Believe in Jesus?

                                               

Chastity

in a hook-up culture of
moral relativism 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
willing actors
outdoing one another to
win the Oscar for
Best Performer 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
lost 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 a choice 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
an expression 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 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 emitting back at me

through the veil of Holiness poured

Mercy undeserved

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 expectations
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 beloved yet...
everything changes when
Love is encountered
then embraced and
the hard way commenced
through the narrow gate so...
seek and
you shall find
knock and
it will be opened
ask and
you shall receive 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 assertions
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
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
trials and tribulations
hatred and ridicule
await Jesus' disciples who
resist the world's pressure to
cave to their tyrannical
new 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
authoritative 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 desires
searching for fruition
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

who can stand?

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 unfair;

where is the justice in all this?

others seem to get off scot-free,

why me?

is there any sorrow like mine?

this is too much-

I cannot bear it all.

so much, too soon.

where is God in all this?

where is the end?

where is the promise of hope?

where is the promise of

all things working for good

for those who love him?

I don’t see it.

I don’t feel it.

only darkness surrounds me,

and, no answers secure peace.

the One who said He

will always be with us

seems so far away.

I know He isn’t a liar, but,

where is He?

comfort avoids me

no matter how much I beg,

the trial goes on and on

without a certitude and

end in sight.

but, the Word stands.

it doesn’t waver.

it doesn’t collapse

in the face of dark power.

it’s light beacons hope.

faith in the One who bore

our sorrow,

who suffered for our wrongs,

who walked through the valley of death

sharing our trials and aloneness.

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 unloveable.

he is the One who is with us

and promises the End will be just.

He is the One who carries us

when we cannot walk anymore.

hope is in Him because we can believe

even when we are numb.

not feeling faith and hope

doesn’t mean we are conquered.

it only means we need others

to help us bear the burden

of our calling right now.

flesh and blood grace us

and, become our conduit of Life

from the Source of all Love.

and, does this not show

our poverty?

does this not show our need for more?

is not our vision limited?

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

with our willful essence

so often turning away from

what He has to offer?

death, trial and sorrow

can conquer us, but, they

can also bring us closer

to the One who first

loved us, and,

who

loves us

still.

Faith II

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 gradually

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 do

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 pretend faithfulness

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

show us how to
believe trust and love
their 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
follow the One who

followed 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

how willing are you to

see reality?

are you ready to give away your life?

are you willing to put aside

your dreams for the Dream of the
Kingdom of Heaven?

faith is the answer to your questions-

even when that doesn't seem enough

faithfulness in obedient action

proves the truth of belief

as it is rooted in righteousness

not letting itself be
deceived by disobedience

in a faith
gutted of truth

The Rest

                                                                                                                          
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 blossom's into Light while

tears fall in sorrow and joy 

when I encounters Thou
my journey turns from
seeking to finding
my Treasure's

Rest

Reflection/Discussion:
-How do our many desires speak of the eternal?
-What isi the rest sought?
-With what do you identify in this poem?
-How do we deal with our earthly desires after rest?
-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
Sunday Mass
Sacred Scripture
Communion
Grace before meals
memorized prayers
Sacraments
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
how many times have we
heard it all?
what else is new?
ho-hum, what time's the game?
work's a killer this week
too many things to think about
plan or deal with
too many ingrained habits
easier to get along than to
get going even when
we're committed belivers
but....
WHAT WOULD MY LIFE LOOK LIKE IF
I ACTUALLY LIVED
AS IF...
Jesus REALLY did die for me
He IS ALIVEand REAL and
LIVES IN ME and is
PASSIONATELY IN LOVE with me
I AM a son of God
God is my Father
I CAN trust Him
I 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 worthy
He wants to USE ME to bring others to know Him
He HEARS ME when I speak to Him and
He DOES SPEAK to me
He wants to just BE with me
He wants to BEAR MY SORROWS
He wants to LOVE others through ME
He IS my joy and peace
He accompanies His Word with
SIGNS AND WONDERS
what if I actually lived
as if...
where do I begin?
how about I
ASK JESUS how I DON'T live as if...
REPENT and
BEGIN TODAY to live as if....
because.....
IT'S 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 and abandoned
by a faith depersonalized and
stretched beyond capacity 
causing us to yearn for a
relief that doesn't come on
our terms
neatly protected
under our tight control 
we resist this
tearing away of
self's enthronement
without the light of
clear vision or the
strength of our previous
self-confidence
tribulations reveal
our hidden sins
now front and center-
rebellious anger
envy/jealousy
fear / mistrust
self-pity
self-centeredness
self-reliance
self-will
pride that hides
our weaknesses
seeking comfort in the
flesh not the Lord
but a  new way is proposed...
dependency
because there is
nothing else
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
stripped of everything
but the Cross
the prime example of
patient endurance
the sufficiency of Grace in
courageous surrender
bearing a Peace and Joy that
supasses 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 the
waiting was ended by 

hovering Tongues of Fire
a Mighty wind

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
victory below
strength through weakness

dying to self for
an Intimacy Divine to
proclaim a Risen Savior
New Life for all who respond
which remains

today's challenge for a
world enslaved to sin
but

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 

stirring Life to new heights
with Love-drenched

tears overflowing in
intimate tenderness
taking you from
Glory to Glory into
Realms of Holiness

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
Godness of  Life Eternal
leaving me staring so
starry-eyed at the One

who Died and Rose for me so that

I could be Loved forever
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 have 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?
-What does "holding His Hand" mean?
-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
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
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
character
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
undertaken in weakness
recognizing that the
battle is within while
learning to depend on a
Love beyond our strength to
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 am you along "The Way"?
-What areas in your life are you trying to control?
-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 when He left home
but then after the desert called Him
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
had finally come
when He said
His last words to me
echoing our past to
continue my mother's role
I could only nod and look away
wondering how I could ever
get beyond my grief
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

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 surrender
our hearts to Jesus
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
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 intrusion
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 recurs
when grace is released
through prayer's supplication
and a trusted shoulder
the Man of sorrows is
resurrected
bearing my burden
carrying my cross
soothing my wound
speaking
words of comfort
softly
relieving my ache
tenderly
knowing my frailness 
without remembering
my doubts
based on fear's
terrible fortune
only Love
overcomes heartache
with an embrace of 
never-ending assurance
providing relief
though only temporarily  
knowing that acceptance
ushering peace is
short-lived but
growth is ensured
healing measured
despite
the challenge of
conflicted hope

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 is your process of healing like?
-How is it similar/different?
-How does sharing with others help?
-How has your healing changed you?

 

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 right wing
control freaks
-who cares?
-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
independent
self-centered
convicted to be
worshiped and adored

idols 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
the mind 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 for us to
bring us New Life but
when that is refused
we separate ourselves
from the God of Love
we embrace a
way of life which then is

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 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?