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- a never ending 

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...Forever

Reflection/Discussion:

-Describe the experience.
-Are experiences like the one described earned? Why/not?
-What place do feelings have in our Faith experience?

-How does "That is who I Am, a Turning is all I Desire" relate to your life?

-How do you do that?

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 sometimes the forces of death

trials and sorrow overwhelm

our puny defenses

why’s so often triumph

over hope in the face of seemingly

overpowering odds...questions can 

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?

I can't take all this...

When's this going to end?

This is pretty discouraging

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 

isn't very Bright right now...

He doesn't seem to be very interested...

maybe He's 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 anyway...

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 wrong-doing

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 is 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 infinite

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...Who has given us

Brothers / Sisters in the Lord

to walk with us on the Via 

Dolorosa...Who has given us 

His Holy Spirit to empower us 

beyond our puny strength...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

a stark question can be 

very helpful -:

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 

Bread of Life and Gospel 
Life’s treasures are discovered...

What is the measure of true faith?

obedience because

it is only when
faith is lived out in
compliance 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' -

picking and choosing

what I believe and
what I obey

only makes a Pharisee

not so with

'I am obedient' -

love demands consistency

in belief and action

faith is grounded in truth

expressed in obedience

which 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 ourelves...

values...plans...will...control that
faith encounters trust

and trust encounters love

Jesus is the model of
trust and love...Mother

Mary and the disciples

follow His example

demonstrating how to
believe...trust...love
their Lord and Savior by

blood spilled in the

holding fast of faith
not in the transitory gains

from empty words of
self's boastful claims

faith will grow when we

put ourselves in a position of
service and readiness to
obey the One who

Obeyed His Father 

Believed His Word

Trusting in Love 

even when it led 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 faith for

the Way of the Kingdom of Heaven

handed down...codified in His Word

guarded and proclaimed in

Sacred Tradition by His Church?

Faith's obedient response

grounded in Trust and Love

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 and
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 'go 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

my shepherds

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 and

Life in Christ...
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 human nature-
only Grace- received by

Our Savior's Gift-
reveals the Truth and
peals back the veil of
sin's deep wounding
only Grace enables us to
admit our inability to
overcome its twisted
tentacles entwining

layers of deception as to 

our dire need of rescue...

only Grace
received through Mercy
loosens the hold of
self-reliance cemented by
addictions to the false
security of transitory
tangible titles
personality
wealth
reputation
worldly pleasures
sometimes even
ministry
anything but
Jesus Himself

only Grace 

can pry our fingers off the
death grip on 
being-in-control to
being-willing-to-obey 

that He- not we- may 

be Glorified...that

we can now
seek Him alone
let go of this life-

so precious to us

for the Pearl of 

Great Price

leaving behind our

former selves
so restless by natlure-
to find Rest in
God Alone and so
the template of Calvary
becomes our
pattern of Surrender
"not My will but
Thine be done"
this can only be 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
Power beyond our strength to

lay down our lives...
give ourselves away...
serve the other...
wash feet with His Love
by Grace Alone
day by day
come what may-
The Way to 

Everlasting Life...

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 the elite
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
declare it to be
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

and this gaudy world's

extravagance
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?