prayer poetry

My hope for you

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

Table of contents: October 7, 2012

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Sin Reality

regardless of the silence
bestowing a cloak of
invisibility to its existence we
absolve ourselves of any guilt by
-
decrees of justification - by
self-righteous formulations
untethered from nature's law
whose logic is suppressed by
secularism's reliance on
transitory feelings bestowing a
crown of
on morality thus ensuring
-
even from the pulpit - which
obfuscates making the
irrelevant...
superfluous...
into
caricatures of religiosity
but look around...
death terrifies
disease overwhelms
selfishness reigns
pride is idolized
murder justified
lust idealized
envy trivialized
tepidity normalized
resentment rationalized
greed exceeded
debauchery exalted
anger validated
forgiveness resented
reality equivocated
enslaving humanity into a
hopeless depravity wrapped in
fantasies of a guaranteed utopia by

dictating compliance since
they know better than you
beware
perfection of this world is
an illusion
fixing ourselves is
beyond our capabilities
only a transformation of
our nature can
conquer
only at an infinite cost can
be pardoned
someone must pay the price for
our redemption from
sin and evil's domination or
it doesn't happen
Someone did-

Offering for our
forgiveness
freedom
power
unequivocal Love-
exchanging His Life for ours
conquering sin and death
raising humanity into

into a
-
an Event and Process-
waiting for our
yes or no...hint...
yes is better

Reflection/Discussion:
-Is sin talked about in your parish/church? Why/not?
-What does "" mean?
-What are some of the manifestations of sin in today's culture?
-What is relativism? Why is it an incorrect/inadequate philosophy?
-What does it mean to be "born again"?
-How is being "born again" an event as well as a process?
-How much is the part of your life? Why?
-How does your sin ?

Thursday, October 11, 2012

The Encounter

yearning for more
than meets the eye
a vague uneasiness
filled my emptiness
within and without
the insufficiency of
temporal everything
despite striving to
vacuum affirmation
into my starving soul
I finally realized that
nothing finite could fill
infinite desires
nothing temporary could satisfy
eternal longings

except
Infinite...Eternal...Perfect Love
finally admitting a
conviction of my life's
self-centeredness
a sorrow for sin
led to a turning away from
wrongdoing's false glamour
then a turning toward
reconciliation by
finding forgiveness
from a Savior
whose Identity is not ethereal
but rather Incarnate
the Person who initiates
an unspeakable offer
a transfer from slavery
to freedom -
death to life - but
only by my free choice
a Decision to follow Him as
my personal Lord and Savior
thus beginning a
Nuptial Journey

having discovered that
He is known
first by Word
then by heart
as the One who

first Loved me by
dying for me
but now is Alive
no longer just an idea
but now Real
through a
Passionate Encounter -

still Vivid yet begun

decades ago -

still traveling the

narrow way further in

higher up deeper into a

Union where there is

always...More... now...

What about you?

Ask and you shall Receive!

Reflection/Discussion:

-How do your desires point to the

Infinite...Eternal...Perfect?
-What does "Passionate Encounter" mean?
-What are the elements necessary to encounter Jesus?
-What prevents you from encountering Jesus or
growing in your relationship with Him?
-What is the relationship between faith and feelings?
-What does " a Nuptial journey" mean?

Saturday, October 6, 2012

The Refusal

demanding policies that
require strict observance
at odds with

coerce a
sham of freedom forcing
participation in the
breaking of
contrary to the principles of

self-justified by
simulating compassion in
disguises masking
intolerance by
tyranny's charade
negating nature's truth by
professing
founded in
creative imaginations
promoting injustice
shutting down
despite
religious principles to
the contrary
no less obvious to
all observers of
's deliberation of
right and wrong

untethered from

require a
personal decision
not merely the
of
fearful subjects
laws must be just to
be obeyed
with
fraudulent requirements
must be refused for
they bring death to the
heart created for life

overrules

whose claims of
authority
overreach with an
immoral ruse and
echo from hell's chambers
disguised in sweet
dictations of human rights but
in reality are
liberation's dehumanization...
not gonna happen here

Reflection/Discussion:

-What are some examples of laws/policies "at odds with conscience"?
-How is dissent shut down in our culture?
-What is the principle(s) involved in ?
-What part does "" play in today's culture wars?
-Learn to defend Scriptural/ using the "" and reason.

Monday, September 17, 2012

The Crux

I have designed you to
share My Divinity
nothing less
though hidden now in the
depths of your humanity
clothed in weakness
born of a fallen nature yet
reborn from within when
washed in the waters of
regeneration
such is the offer for all to
journey home but
each must view
their destination
with spiritual eyes
life v death
each an eternal consequence
forged in temporal steps of
liberty v license which are
sometimes confusing identities
similar though different
like identical twins
love v lust
treating others as
subject v object for
self-giving v self-serving or
privilege v power as
discovered in
humility v pride
being authentic v arrogant
where in the end
fruit ripens or rots by the
wealth of poverty's
trusting dependence v
poverty of wealth's
self-aggrandizement which
diminishes treasures into
dust by bowing down to false gods
the crux of all life decisions is
rooted in worship for
you become
whom you adore
being transformed into
God-like Character v
god-less egotism
One a Gift
True and Real
the other
deception's counterfeit
no one escapes
the decision for
each one
will determine their end
for one Grace abides
when accepted freely and
followed faithfully
nurturing Life but
for another when rejected
only darkness follows in
costumes of gratification
nurturing death
both Eternal destinations
so
whom do you worship?
consider carefully for the
answer is revealed by

the fruit of each choice

which ushers in an

opportunity to change your

journey's direction before

it is too late...

Reflection/Discussion:
-How is our destiny to share Divinity hidden in our humanity?
-What is "The Crux" of the question being asked?
-What is the difference between liberty and license?
-How is the decision reached "step v step"?
-What challenges in your life impact your Eternal decision?
-How can you give/receive support to/from other disciples?

Saturday, September 1, 2012

The Race

incessantly
seeking

born through
-
Divinity's
quid pro quo -
for
ego's finite
obsessions -

proves daunting
for my list is
endless
each a fortress
defended by
pitiful constructions of
a fallen nature
trust...for unhealed wounds

make it ever an issue -
control - turning into
a barricade
when Promises proposed

have invisible rewards and
past disappointments from

life's broken expectations

weave doubt and fear
into my
intimacy's defenses -
a resistance
to accept insufficient
returns or imagination's
dire consequences
but... Passion's

proves indefensible
penetrating my
heart's armor by
-
too Personal
too True
too Real
to deny -
only then does

travel further in
and higher up by
surrendering
precious treasures
both seen and unseen for
the
each decision
a battle
each battle
a war
yet Grace encapsulates
the challenge

wooing my heart for

More of Infinite Love's

Merciful Presence

yielding Peace's
gradual transformation
into
yet
temptation
persists each day to
close my hand
or
withdraw my offer to

yield strongholds of

mind and heart
ever contending
for life's inner and
outward possessions
until release is captured

without fanfare by
a decision of dying to
-
the tyranny of
- while
running the obstacle

Race for Redemption's

Prize with day-by-day

perseverance and

humble dependence -

one step closer
into
realized in

delicate measures

Reflection/Discussion:

-What does "" mean?
-Are "trust" and "control" an issue in your life? How?
-What does ongoing conversion mean in your life?
-What are some of the ways you die to "self's enthronement"?
-What are some of your difficulties to "running with perseverance"?
-How can you find and give support in your walk with the Lord?
-What does "realized in delicate measures" mean?

Friday, August 24, 2012

The Witness Calling

you are My Beacon
guiding hearts
lost among the
terrors of the night
back to My
safe harbor
you are My Icon
a living image of hope
midst souls
enslaved by deceptions
entangled in webs of despair
you are My Witness
called to embrace
My Cross to Love
as I Love
laying down your life
in a daily death-to-self to
bring My Light to a
world darkened by
empty promises of fulfillment
masked by pleasure's
self-centeredness
freely you have received
now freely give for
My children perish
in their sins
beguiled by bangles
of banality
ego's vapid
power-plays
conferring immortal death
speaking My Word
though ushering freedom
elicits anger and resistance
from the evil one
seeking to impose
idolatry's beliefs of
worldly principles
proffering delusion in
costumes of
progressive sophistication
resist him
firm in the faith
willingly embracing
temporal consequences
for Eternal Glory
hide not
your Love for Me
rather
be transparent
without apology
for when they see you
I desire they see Me
all the while knowing
your calling is
beyond your means
leading you to
surrender your spirit
to My Spirit
your heart...will...life
and yes...weakness to Me
then when you are offered
the opportunity to walk
the Via Dolorosa
by My side as
lambs bound together
you may stay strong
knowing that
My Kingdom within you is
untouchable by your
persecutor's misdeeds
even so
My Love for them is as
My Love for you since
Salvation for all is My Goal
so let your heart rejoice
that you are
Perfectly Loved
Precious to Me and
Called each moment to be
My Beacon
My Icon
My Witness

Reflection/Discussion:

-What are the challenges you face in being a "witness"?
-Are there situations in which you "hide your love" for the Lord?
-If so, describe them.
-How can that change? Be specific.
-Describe your spiritual life?
-What can you do to improve it?
-What support can you get for your call to be a "witness"?

Sunday, June 10, 2012

The Awesome Presence

My Presence is
a Gift to you
a glimmer of Glory
too Radiant for
your frail existence to
fully behold
but nevertheless
a taste of your
inheritance as
My precious
Sons and Daughters
that is meant to
wash away your
weariness and
draw you to Myself
I am
your refuge
a shelter
when the
waves of life
crash upon you and
cascades in a
cacophony of whirlwinds
when persecution strikes
and
tempts you to
hide your love for Me
but even when
lesser constraints of
daily pursuits

responsibilities stretched
far beyond capacity
when temptations are
nipping at your fingertips to
feed unwieldy appetites
self's circus of delights
or pride's

craves to be fed
because of envy's hunger
so in every circumstance-
especially your daily visitation-
decide to seek My Face
drawing upon My Power to
enter through prayer's portal in
the
into the great
silence of surrender
there to rest in
pastures of peace by
quiet streams of
tender tears
there to consume
the fruit of
My Awesome Presence
Love's nectar of delight

with
without measure
there to share your
heart's inexpressible desires
our eternal dreams for
Life together while
listening in
quiet expectation

even as storms
come and go

Reflection/Discussion:

-Are part of your experience of His Presence?

-If not, ask the for that as well as if there is

anything of which you need to .
-Do you experience the in your life? How/when?
-How has the experience helped you? How?
-Is the Presence of God something common to believers? Why? Why not?
-Is it a "reward"? Why? Why/not?
-How has ridicule tempted you to hide your love for the Lord?
-What is the "language of angels"?
-How do we enter into a ?
-Prepare a 5-10 min of how you .

measure

Saturday, June 2, 2012

The Challenge

is a magnet for
our attention
pulling our pity inward
forcing our focus
away from
to
serve the other especially
when crying for relief from
the challenge to
stay afloat in an
unwelcomed storm which
batters our security while
the losing of our perceived control
begrudgingly recommends
through our finite frailty-
the truth of our
ultimate dependency on the
One who knit us together in the womb-
adjusting for weakness and
pain's 911
feels formidable
while uncertainty
wreaks havoc with
our
intensifying the temptation to
drink deeply of the
whine squeezed from trials
too long endured as
faith ebbs and flows
questioning the reality of
life's sharp turns and
fearsome dead ends
suffering seemingly ratifies
Satan's lies against
God's existence or
His Love for you
accusations of
His abandonment
lack of concern
powerlessness to help
all prove daunting when
your experience touches
with
reluctant reliance and
tumbling feelings
yet your affliction advances the
choice to
trust or worry
love or withdraw
detach or despair
receive or reject
suffering's incessant
provision for purification
an invitation to imitate

and in this
we can prevail by
joining I to Thou's
terrible agony
entwining our crowns
offering our immolations
together as One for the
sake of those we love
entrusting Him to
Redeem our sufferings
for our good and theirs
forming a bond
fused in the
fire of sacrifice
fixing our eyes
on the prize to yield a
fruitful harvest
beyond our own strength
yet within our grasp by

Reflection/Discussion:
-How is your illness challenging you?
-How is used in this poem?
-What is the relationship between faith and feelings?
-What does it mean to unite our sufferings with ?
-How can our suffering with Jesus be a prayer of blessing for others?
-How is the Lord calling you to love while enduring your illness?
-What is the difference between surrendering to the Lord and giving-up?

The Challenge

is a magnet for
our attention
pulling our pity inward
forcing our focus
away from
Love's calling to
serve the other especially
when crying for relief from
the challenge to
stay afloat in an
unwelcomed storm which
batters our security while
the losing of our perceived control
begrudgingly recommends
through our finite frailty-
the truth of our
ultimate dependency on the
One who knit us together in the womb-
adjusting for weakness and
pain's 911
feels formidable
while uncertainty
wreaks havoc with
our
intensifying the temptation to
drink deeply of the
whine squeezed from trials
too long endured as
faith ebbs and flows
questioning the reality of
life's sharp turns and
fearsome dead ends
suffering seemingly ratifies
Satan's lies against
God's existence
His Love for you
accusations of
His abandonment
lack of concern
powerlessness to help
all prove daunting when
your experience touches
with
reluctant reliance and
tumbling feelings
yet your affliction advances the
choice to
trust or worry
love or withdraw
detach or despair
receive or reject
suffering's incessant
provision for purification
an invitation to imitate

and in this
we can prevail by
joining I to Thou's
terrible agony
entwining our crowns
offering our immolations
together as One for the
sake of those we love
entrusting Him to
Redeem our sufferings
for our good and theirs
forming a bond
fused in the
fire of sacrifice
fixing our eyes
on the prize to yield a
fruitful harvest
beyond our own strength
yet within our grasp by

Reflection/Discussion:
-How is your illness challenging you?
-How is used in this poem?
-What is the relationship between ?
-What does it mean to unite our sufferings with the Lord's sufferings?
-How can our suffering with Jesus be a prayer of blessing for others?
-How is the Lord calling you to love while enduring your illness?
-What is the difference between ?

Monday, May 21, 2012

The Call

always personal
never detached
I have sought you out
from your beginning
when I formed you
in the womb
preparing you to
share My very Life
always remaining
never leaving
even when
you left Me
following
your own way
only to discover
futility's reward
always remembering
never forgetting
that our enemy's lies
about Me
My Bride
My Ways
lead to separation
seeking fulfillment in
finite passions
when only
infinite Love can satisfy
human longing
always encouraging
never haranguing you to
leave behind
this world's allurements
which consistently fade
though incessantly promise
what they cannot deliver
yet through it all
My quiet voice
calls your name
to end your resistance
and accept My Gift
of New Life-
a pledge sealed
in Blood
by freedom's ransom from
sin's bondage-
a Risen flesh
promised as the
first fruits of
Power from above
always wooing
never forcing
even at
eternity's peril
I reach out
for you to
come home
so now
listen to My plea
for...time is short
freely I offer
freely you can receive

Reflection/Discussion:

-Which word, phrase, idea did you like best in The Call? Why?
-What was your impression of the the Speaker?
-Is that impression a reality for you? Why/not?
-What are some of the hurdles to "freely receive" the Lord's free offer?
-How has the Lord reached out to you?
-Where can you find/give support in your relationship with Jesus?

Monday, April 30, 2012

The Discernment

sweet abandon
beckons me...
come home to
find a rest
long pursued
from a combat
rooted in fear of
giving up ideals
wrapped in
holy desires
nourished by
hurts long buried
clutched by a
death-grip of
self-willed
determinations-
a quest viewed through
the lens of
my visions of
His calling
always beyond
my grasp and
comprehension
but then
without a warning
it was Love
that cut the tether

from a

unknowingly pursued

to prove myself loveable -

a lie believed from an

unhealed wound -

Grace that

unbound my heart by

endured by the Healer
made present in prayer -
decisions from within
intercession from without -
trustfully letting go
into my Lover's Hands
what was so precious
from ages past
melded into
my identity
a brand never
to be removed...
what's next
I know not
nor does it matter
for the fit
shall be perfect
His Will
a path discerned
in silence
listening for
the Shepherd's Voice
softly spoken
midst the competition of
counterfeit calls and
my wounded perceptions
step by step
by signs of consolation
in circumstances
surrounding darkness
without clearly
seeing the end
I yield - with my
brothers' support - to

the Adventure
evolving
through a process of

Reflection / Discussion:

-What areas of your life are you trying to discern God's Will?
-What does "aggressive surrender" mean to you?
-What part do our feelings play in discernment?
-Why is it hard to "let go" of certain things in your life?

-How can you find healing for past wounds?
-How can a help discern God's will?
-If you can't find a Spiritual Director, find a support

group to whom you can be accountable.

Sunday, April 29, 2012

The Name

So Sacred...
the Name is
equal to
the Person
proclaiming the Truth
with Reverence
and Awe
in highest esteem
describing Infinite Identity
He who is Holiness
the One who Saves
with words that Create
and deeds that Heal
not boastfully
proclaiming superiority
but rather ministering
with Humility...
a Suffering Servant
gathering all who respond
at the end of time
so shall every knee bend
and tongue confess
the Name
above all names
yet on our inner thrones
does that Name Reign?
is there Honor
on our lips?
Reverence in our hearts?
sensitivity in our hearing
as that Name is cast down?
cursed and abused
forgotten
dismembered
equaled to evil
condemned to darkness
where do we stand?

I Am

Now and Forever

Reflection / Discussion:

-Examen your Reverence for the Name

-What is your response when His Name is abused in your presence?

-Ask Jesus how He wants you to respond.

-Repent if you need to.

-Ask the Holy Spirit for the Grace of Reverence and Boldness.

-Resolve to Revere His Name.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

The Decision

do good
avoid evil
simple enough
to say but
sometimes
complicated to
figure out -
though actually doing it is
another matter altogether -
but first
consider this...
within each is
written on the heart
the Truth of

to guide us to live in
love
honor
dignity
respect

however
voices abound
within and without
fostering forgeries
that lead to
darkness not light
confusion not clarity
opposites of reality
bearing the fruit of chaos
ultimately to destruction
in and around us...
support abounds
for
instead of
preference over principle

over nobility

where
and
following the
dictatorship of feelings -
rationalizing the illogical -
making objects
out of subjects
justifying the ends
by any means -
disasters of delusion -
especially when
unfortunate consequences
lead to inconvenient
criticisms of behavior
presenting
emptiness as fullness
degradation as admiration

disorder as order
yet for those who object
to
ridicule awaits
accusations of hatred

judgmental prerogatives

disagreement
in the name of
freedom from tyranny
all the while
boasting tolerance
but living
totalitarianism
decisions of
right and wrong
based on emotions
today's inclinations
culture's elastic boundaries

as the crowd's
least common denominator
confidently confuse
to say the least and
prove to be the

leading to abasement
in the costume of

proof abounds - if
actually looking for it -

that it is all rooted in
our Enemy's sham
with the telltale
odor of decay
yet...to be fully human
through reason
must be formed
by
not just
what I say it is -
the silly
true for you
but not for me -
disciples seek
formation in the Word
interpreted by
the Body's teaching
handed down through
centuries of Wisdom
under the covering
of the Spirit
by
with proven results in
harvests of joy
with power
beyond nature to live
even the
hardest of sayings

unpopular to our
base tendencies
limiting self's
limitless capacity
for self aggrandizement
so we are left with choices
that take us in
different directions -
like a
looking for an oasis
but finding only sand -
one leads to death
disguised as life
always touting a fresh

open-minded break

from the past

always ensuring that

nothing interferes with

what is wanted or

feels is right
no matter what

or
the one that
categorizes
as foolishly rigid and
stifling to behold
but in reality.
proven by experience
brings joy and a peace

passing understanding

though

sometimes veiled
in garbs of the cross -
a willingness to

no matter what...
now...
you must decide

Reflection/Discussion:

-What does it mean that God's law is written on our hearts?
-If so, how is it we disagree on moral issues?
-What does "relativism" mean?
-What does it mean that the law of God is written in our natures?
-What part do feelings play in moral decisions?
-How do you make moral decisions?
-How do you answer relativism?

Sunday, April 1, 2012

The Approval

where do you look
for approval?
in whose eyes
must you find
affirmation?
fickle indeed is
the adulation
of the world
like the weather-vane
grasping at the wind
is the fawning for favor
the addiction of
pursuing a nod
to fill ego's
bottomless coffers
vainly obsessing to satisfy
insecurity's infinite appetite
bankrupts the spirit
devours integrity
enslaves the soul
bringing double-mindedness
to the heart
by focusing on
mirror's reflection
with a fascination for
the temporal....
instead
hear this:
you are already approved
in My eyes
the One who created you to
become Divine
who bore you upon
the Cross
in sacrificial Love
who tenderly caresses
your heart
calling you
to Myself for
eternal intimacy
I name you
My Beloved
each one
My favorite
you have only to
turn to Me
to surrender
to know the truth
to begin to fathom
your precious Identity
I entreat you to
open your heart
let go of self to
live in Me
and
I in you
then seek to walk
in My Love
for only in the gift of self
is My Image perfected
in mutual donation of
one to another
only then will
freedom become yours
so when vanity
demands to be fed
provoking security's effacement
resist and
envision Calvary
there to comprehend
True Approval
and it's perfection
in the Resurrection
then seek ONLY
to please
the One who is
your ALL

Reflection/Discussion:
-How does looking for the approval of others affect you?
-How does it ""?
-Does our sin affect God's approval? Why/not?
-How can already having God's approval free us?
-What are the blocks for that to happen?

Friday, February 3, 2012

Death

though unspoken
with our eyes shut
ears plugged
minds closed
death always intrudes
imposing its reality
into our space
touching us violently
with unwanted intimacy -
a rape of consciousness -
with an outcome
against our will
always inevitable
conveniently buried
somewhere in the dark
mausoleum of our minds
impervious to bribery
mocking medical marvels
heartless to pleading
defeating all comers
we relentlessly seek
some semblance of
mercy until realizing
the Truth that
only Surrender conquers
only Acceptance enlivened

by a Faith embracing the
Hope of Love Eternal brings
Peace Born of Life's
Victorious Resurrection
bearing scars as
triumphant trophies
forevermore
now He
freely offers to be
freely received
a Mystery revealed to
all who seek
the balm for
death's bleak sting...
so before
it barges in
uninvited to
collect its
deadly toll
consider
your options
one way or
the other
you...will...die
so the question is
are you ready for
Eternity?

Reflection/Discussion:

-Why do people not talk about death?
-How has the death of loved ones impacted your life?
-How can reflecting on your death affect your life today?
-Besides legal matters, how can you prepare for death?
-Are you spiritually ready for death? Why/not?

Thursday, January 19, 2012

The Tragedy

the veneer of a life
without Jesus as the center
eventually delaminates
its delusion
even if it's only when
He is revealed
face to Face at the
Final Judgment...
having accepted deceptions by
disbelieving revelations
etched in beauty
embedded in desire
hidden in sorrow
shadowed in love
obvious when discovered
overwhelming when believed
though when dismissed
unexamined or
resisted out of rebellion is
a debacle for...the True

Purpose of Life is lost while
everything else ultimately
remains a disappointment
squandered in the
maze of earthly appetites
glittering goals
born out of our enemy's
diabolical deceits
through vapid promises of
vanity's obsessions
idols bred from pitiful illusions
so confidently worshiped yet
so mercilessly unfulfilling
even if attained because
it is never enough to fill the

Infinite Desire for Divine Love
planted at conception
still...
Love whispers a
Song of Benevolence -
wooing our souls
Passionately inviting us into a
Intimate Relationship by
an extravagant Redemption
born out of Suffering a
Death offering Life to seekers of an
Exodus into the Promised Land of
Ultimate Fulfillment-
Unending Joy-
an undeserved Grace for those
who receive but for
those who reject an
Eternal Tragedy

Reflection/Discussion:
-Does life without the Lord eventually "delaminate"? Why/not?
-What are some of the ways Jesus reveals Himself to us?
-What is the true purpose of life?
-Are the "obsessions" of desires left unfulfilled? Why/not?
-How can we avoid the "eternal tragedy"?
-How can we help others to avoid the "eternal tragedy"?

Saturday, August 20, 2011

The Cross

maybe

it will always
be this way...
a melody of sadness
softly playing in the
background of my soul
punctuated by
flares of heartache-
surprise resurrections of the
mournful reality
buried deep within by

deliberate busyness
accompanied by
tears of loss
traveling all too
familiar paths while
resisting my power
to be controlled-
logic is a fool
vainly seeking to understand
empty explanations
while protests of injustice
echo in silence since
fairness isn't a factor - only
heartbreak is
as well as
anger
frustration
self-pity
all revealing my
disheartened incredulity...
escaping proves fruitless
whatever good that is
promised by faith
remains hidden while
the take feels
greater than the give
when following the

yet...
when
in the
struggle to go beyond my pain -
a Decision to...
-be Faithful when I'm

tempted not to be

- for my

Comfort and not distractions
-Serve when I
want to withdraw

-Hope when the darkness

begins to overshadow me

-Love when I don't feel

I can right now
-Pray when I
don't see the point
-Persevere when I
want to give up -
not letting it
dictate my life nor
always color my vision
the issue is...
-will I Let Him
carry my burden?
-will I Trust Him -
He who trusted while
hanging on a cross for me?
-will I Unite my agony
with His for the sake of

those I love and thus share in

?...
even so...
my loss lingers and
without warning
is triggered and
the rhapsody returns
beckoning an encore
which proffers a
deeper Communion
keeping my eyes on and
letting go once more on
a journey towards

further in
higher up
saying yes-
even without feelings of
reassuring confidence -
grasping for Comfort
from my Surrender towards a
Unity untouched

Reflection/Discussion:

-How does this poem compare with your experience of loss?
-What's similar/different?
-What does and say about Jesus and our suffering?
-How can the experience of loss draw you closer to the Lord?
-How does uniting our cross with the Lord's cross

and offering it for those we love, bring meaning into suffering?
-How do feelings and faith work together?
-What does it mean to let Jesus "carry our sorrows"?

Saturday, June 25, 2011

The Two Ways

light and darkness
each a way to Final Justice
one leading to the Eternal

Song of Songs imbued

with the

the other sliding downward

into the echoes of pain

in the shadows of

everlasting fires

both seem obscured in

this fallen world viewed

with fallen eyes but
deception provides
false comfort
transforming
good to appear evil

and evil good
freedom's challenge
allows a choice to
give or hoard the
gift of self - a
humble donation to serve by
surrender's power for the
good of the other or
sophistication's vanity to
use the other for
selfish pleasure -
even by mutual consent -
under the guise of love
each a signpost exposing
our progress along a way
unveiling our destination...
still more telling is the
simplicity of mysteries -
-
yet clouded by deceit
tiny lives encapsulated as
innocent martyrs
slain under the mask of
a mother's right to choose
to crush one's fruit that
stains the soul yet is
celebrated as a
living success
bearing the labor of
delusional self-righteousness

also telling is idolatry's power to
beguile the intelligentsia

in a 's

web of dark enlightenment -
self-serving values of
totalitarian progress leading

to death now and forever

even affect some who are

impersonating the

leading the sheep
ever deeper
ever downward
ever darker -
opaque angels of light -
snaring worldly converts into
confusion's morass by
mortal combat
for and against

clearly expressed in Holy

Writ and thoroughly ratified

but...Hope persists in

Light's Revelation revealing

a History of Faithfulness to

an Intimacy more Incarnate than
any finite human can imagine

and a Promise of Power that

will never leave me stranded

in the
which changes everything
past by repentance
present by forgiveness
future by Committed Love to

the One whose Blood was

now unveiled by

Reflection/Discussion:

-Describe the two ways.
-What are the signs of each way?
-What areas in your life are moving toward/away from the Lord?
-How can you strengthen/change each way?
-What signs of the two ways are in our culture today?
-How can mutual consent still be selfish and lead into darkness?
-How are false shepherds impersonating the Shepherd's Voice?
-How can we support one another to grow in the Lord?

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

The Disciple

who is My Disciple?
what does it mean to
follow Me?
My Life is
the template
clearly set
before you and
the measure of a
true witness
so let us begin
an examination of
the marks of a disciple to
see where you stand:
it is the one
who walks in Love
that most imitates Me
that is
your standard
the starting point-
putting others
before yourself
to serve
not to be served-
the foundation and
beginning of the Way
but then
self's donation
is qualified by
Obedience to the Goal of
pleasing the Father
for in that My own
Destiny was fulfilled in
doing His Will
not My own-
but further still
the test of obedience is
Fidelity -
traveling the Via Dolorosa
even unto death -
to be faithful
means living
according to My Word
handed down
through My Bride
even when that embodies
the Cross - only then
is the Crown of Glory
bestowed on resurrected life -
so in choosing to
come after Me
count the cost:
continual conversion
from the
-lure and ways of this world
-magnetism of self
-deceit of the devil
to the
Character of the Son
all these require
humility's strength
steeled in the
furnace of suffering
shaped by the
hammer of sacrifice
yet fueled by tender Grace
refreshed with the Joy of
knowing that in your
silent depths
I am with you
Loving you with an
Obedient
Faithful
Sacrificial and
Glorious Love

Reflection/Discussion:

-What are the marks of a true disciple of the Lord?
-What do you think about the marks presented?

-Which of the marks do you find most difficult?
-Does the "yes" on your lips match a "yes" in your heart?
-Which areas "yes"; which areas "no"?
-What changes can you make now to grow in discipleship?
-How can we support one another to grow in discipleship?

Thursday, January 13, 2011

The Forgiver

it is not for you
to punish
your offender
harboring hatred
in your heart
a cruel infection
of your wound
that devours
your soul and
destroys your body...

so many of
My daily offenders
refuse My offer to
turn away from
choosing death
over life and so
gain their
sinful inheritance
even as My hand
remains outstretched
in Mercy to

the very end
despite liberty's abuse
but as for you
let your anger
fight for justice
instead of hatred which
only leads to self-destruction

while speaking the truth
in love - a choice
rooted in Grace
regardless of
emotion's strain -
and a motivation
for reparation
also knowing that
in the end
true justice
will prevail
as I work all things
for the good
in those who love Me...
the fruit of healing
comes from the balm
of My Grace
to petition
a change of heart
for therein lies
transformation's fuel
hoping to gain
reconciliation's blossom...
a forgiver's freedom
rests secure in
giving over...
letting go...
deciding to forgive
despite the heartache
joining in My Offering

on Calvary's Throne

proves sanctifying while
praying for them is

love's expression
since your offender's good
is also
your own and
their salvation
ushers-in
Redemption's Glory

Reflection/Discussion:

-Did anything "touch" you in the poem? Describe it and why.
-Have you forgiven everyone in your life?
-If not, what prevents you from doing so?
-Explain the meaning of "deciding to forgive despite the heartache"?
-How does hating "destroy" the hater?
-Does forgiving someone "let them off the hook"? Why/not?
-Does not forgiving someone "punish" them? Why/not?
-How does forgiving
-How does your enemy's salvation usher-in Redemption's Glory?

Sunday, January 2, 2011

The Kiss

gazes through
tears of blood from
sorrow's perch
as Love overcomes
death's sentence by
surrendering to

the willingness of a Heart
pierced for sin's
just requirement to
attain
bridging an
infinite chasm by
making possible
humanity's transfer to

yet the Gift
being freely offered is
only fulfilled when
freely accepted
one to One
eye to Eye
heart to Heart

otherwise it remains

unattached leaving

unfettered the pathway

to a fiery reward

history's execution
is overcome by
resurrection's renewal
made present today
by
when old is made new

when I and Thou
are consummated by the

Reflection/Discussion:

-How is the freely offered and accepted?
-What are "redemption's radical demands" for you?
-What is the "kiss of the cross"??
-What can you do that you're not doing to grow in your ?
-How can we support one another in our commitment to the Lord?

The Embrace

the
so often obscured by its
unsightly cost
too exorbitant for our
's limitations
forged by self-interest
shielded by our natural
avoidance of
bearing any price to
protect our frail dominion
which struggles with
life's storms especially those
attacking the confidence we
thought was so firmly planted
in the but now feels so
unstable like it's in sand
causing us to question
why this? why now? why me?
grasping for a Comfort /
solution / relief / peace
all seemingly stretched
beyond our reach and
forcing us to question
how much does self and
its myriad worldly offshoots-
health...bank account...
career...ambitions...success...

recognition...relationships...
play in our security and
how much in the Lord Himself?
we pray for deliverance from
what seems like evil-
surely not willed by God but
allowed for His Greater Purposes
which we cannot see nor merely
desire right now but which
brings us face to Face with
our weakness and need for
The Crucified Savior- a
Who
Purifies us by the Fire of His Spirit
There we discover ever anew
His Desire to bring us Closer and
more Dearly Form us in His Image-
another step towards the
Goal of by
removing stubborn defects that
resist our half-hearted efforts but
mostly ignore because they are
firmly embedded in the selfish
habits of our sinful nature
In Him we are Promised that
all things work together for
our good and though purification's
hindsight is a perfect view
now is the time that we are
Offered the Grace to
say "yes" despite our distress
by Surrendering in
Faith and Hope
Trusting in His Love
not begrudgingly
but with an
Embrace

Reflection/Discussion:
-How can suffering ever be "a treasure"?
-What does "a Kiln of Love" mean?
-Is the Goal of Holiness.....your Goal?
-How are you daily trying to attain that Goal?
-How much of your security is in the Lord vs other things?
-How has the Lord used suffering to change you?
-What prevents us from embracing our suffering?
-What are the benefits of embracing our suffering?
-How can we support one another in our suffering?

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Daughter

bewildered

torn from safety
Love's unfailing acceptance
now glows
face to Face
from my heart's beloved Creator
knowledge infused history's Presence
through the veil of my life's sharp end
a view of what might have been is
seen from Heaven's advantage
the maternal bond
broken and disowned by
death's dark decision
was a rejection without defense
for I was judged unfit to live
despite having my mother's eyes
to why's obsessive enigma
no reason is enough to
toss an innocent away
nor justify my demise
as two now bear
the choice of one
yet though unintended
that cruel portal brought
eternal life
in an instant
as well as
maturity's measure
all guilt captured
by Another's choice
which ushered-in
this free domain
now her soul
I bear to
Mercy's Throne
pleading for our union's healing
and a turning back-
love's longing painful cry-
hoping in peace joy and body new
with every tear wiped away
to be reunited once more
but this time in
my mother's arms

Reflection/Discussion:
-How is the daughter portrayed as a person?
-How does the daughter show forgiveness?
-Is the hope offered realistic? Why/not?
-How would this poem help a post-abortion Mom?
-How would this poem help a Mom thinking of aborting her child?
-How does the poem affect you?
-In your own words, explain the poem.

Monday, September 6, 2010

The Seeker

in your silent depths

you seek to love and

be loved without

limits or measures-
the security of a union
whose acceptance and
self'-donation is a
dream of endless ecstasy...
you also realize - though
do not always admit - that
it is far more than
finite love can
deliver in this life since
everything passes and is
restricted by the
earthly boundaries
of the temporal...
only imagination's limitless frontiers
extend fulfillment beyond its
confined expressions -
even marital love
however satisfying is still

full of trials / suffering and

always desires more than
your fallen nature
can deliver and so
your craving remains for
something more...lasting...
satisfying...in a word...perfect

and so it may seem

that you seek in vain but

the Truth is that I have

placed that longing in your heart

for it is I who first seeks you...
it is for you that I hunger...
aware or not...
self-absorbed or generous...
trapped in sin or saint...
proud or humble...
bitter or thankful...
hater or lover...
enemy or friend...
it is your heart I treasure
your love
for which I long
in a Union
Infinite and Passionate
like Me...some of
you question My veracity -
can this be True?
is He truly like He says He is?

you think...
does He really Love... me... that way?
maybe for others but
not for me...Why?... because in
your heart of hearts
you know your
weakness and poverty -
secrets hidden from
everyone's eyes but Mine

sins that feel unforgivable...

accusations / shame swirl in your mind...

wounds buried deep within...

lies about yourself and Me that

you still believe to this very day...

but...

I do not utter
empty words
rather
they express
My Tender Mercy -
the Truth of
who I Am
see
it was for YOU
I bore the Cross -
the burden of your sins -
for YOU that
My Hands and Feet were nailed...
My Heart pierced -
Blood and Water flowing to
Wash your heart to
make it like Mine -
a stark testimony of
My Personal Love for YOU
as I looked
into your eyes
and said...
I thirst...
Come
Say Yes to...
My Infinite Invitation -

My Love for YOU -

Repent of your sin

Accept Me into your heart

as your Lord and Savior
Come...yes...YOU...
Follow Me...that...

We may be ONE...

Foreever...

Reflection/Discussion:

-Is "finite love" ultimately not fulfilling? Why/not?
-How is the love of Jesus different than our love for one another?
-How are they related?
-Do you think people tend to question God's Love for them? Why/not?

-In what way does that pertain to you?

-What are some of the 'lies' talked about?
-How can we receive His Love for us?
-What does it mean here that Jesus says "I thirst"?
-What does it mean to say "yes" to Jesus?

-How can you communicate this reality to others?

-How has Jesus proven His Love for you?

-Is there anything keeping you back from deciding to receive Jesus

into your heart as your Personal Lord and Savior?

-If yes, then, what is it? Work through it. Maybe talk it over with a trusted friend.

-If no, then, just ask Him into your heart in your own words. Day by Day seek Him, listen.

Friday, August 20, 2010

The Devil

beware...the Devil...your

Enemy -the father of lies...

master of deceit...

accuser of the brethren and

murderer of all who fall into

his hands both spiritually

and physically if possible -

plies his trade among unsuspecting

targets oblivious to his duplicity

while they joke about the myth

of his existence purported by
medieval zealots clothed in black
the fictitious conclusion derived at
just the way he likes it with

scoffing at even the hint of

objective Truth which instead
he inculcates that reality is
what you say it is and 'sin'

is a 'control tool ' of the 'right'

and thus that 'scary devil with

horns' and 'eternal fires of hell'

is a fiction to frighten dupes

into Churches for money sake...

and you can hear the victory

celebration in the dark end

zone of the duped who now

belong to the demons forever

as the deceived sing

right is wrong

wrong is right
true is false
false is true -
if it exists at all -
depending on whose definition
is used while the gods of this age -
all under the influence of his

shadowy disguise accuse

Followers of the Holy One of
totalitarianism and hate

mongering as the "judge nots"

judge Jesus' Disciples as way

too judgmental for today's

progressive society as the

Deceiver's pitiful victims
fall downward by unrighteous

decisions out of the 'anything

goes' / 'get it while you can' /

no one's telling me what I

can or can not do' / 'this is

all there is so go for it' and

so on and so forth...but even

the Churched fall into deceit

by their silence on his existence

and spiritual warfare to defeat

his tactics and kingdom

as the Believers are left

vulnerable to the Enemy's

trickery which leads

many into habits that wound

the tender-hearted and

harden the unsuspecting whose
repeated excesses produce
slaves of the flesh 'till it is

too late to turn back to the

Light...'all in good time' and

'slowly but surely' the end-game

is secured...

Eternal death his aspiration...
misery his accomplice...
evil his identity...
illusion his snare...

temptation his forte...
warfare hidden in the

vagaries of daily life
even though
he doesn't exist
la la la la la

Reflection/Discussion:

-How is Satan portrayed in Scripture?
-What are some of the signs of his existence today?
-He is the deceiver / liar, what are some lies people

believe about themselves / eternity / God / Christianity?
-What are some of his common temptations?
-Where do you see his deceptions present in our society?
-Do you see his deceptions in the Church? Where?
-How do you use your Spiritual Authority against his attacks?

-Read the Catholic Catechism to learn more.

-Daily prayer...Sacraments...Scripture Reading...Men's / Women's Groups

all are helpful to maintain and grow in one's Spiritual Life.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Tell

desires

needs

drive our inner being

more than
imagination’s fantasies

longing for contentment

pleads for mercy

falls upon deaf ears

leaving us wandering in a
desert searching for the

to
fully satisfy our thirst...
born to yearn

starving for
meaning and purpose

only yields emptiness

more - always more -

never enough

with no end in sight

is this all there is?

are we only to live and die

always striving to
fill our cravings

sometimes so compulsive

yet at other times

noble and breathtaking

finally to be condemned to an
endless slavery of
seeking but never finding
only in the end to discover that

infinite desire requires
infinite fulfillment...

conceived to embrace Love

beyond human measurement

experiencing true satisfaction

can only be realized

in Perfection
never imperfection

never in things which

always perish or

accolades which vanish when

another victor is crowned

but only in Another
a Personal entwining

where is
forever shared

the Thou of I and Thou

the sign of
embedded in my soul

planted there at my conception
a Mystery alluded to by

for the One who is

beyond all expectations

the fulfillment of all desires
it is He who beckons me to

ask and I shall receive

seek and I will find
knock and it will be opened

He was always there
waiting for me to
say yes and find True
Rest in Him

Reflection/Discussion:

-How does "tells" in poker compare to the "tell" in human nature?

-Are there any other "tells" of the Eternal One in human nature?

-How would you describe them?

-How could you engage someone in a conversation about the "tell" of the infinite?