See, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves, so be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.Matthew 10:16 I decided a long time ago to believe the best of people. It is a matter of innocence, So it is difficult to defend. Even in Our Lord's advice quoted above, the innocence … Continue reading Believe the Best
From Mary to Martha
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.John 11:5 This poem was inspired by my mother, who has taught me to appreciate Martha in the Gospel stories. Being a "Mary" myself, I was tempted to read Christ's speech to Martha as a rebuke. In the Bible, however, the Lord only speaks a name twice … Continue reading From Mary to Martha
At His Feet
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace!Isaiah 52:7 In prayer, I often find myself at the Lord's feet. I used to think this would be debasing, but I am drawn there in many moods, and it is my heart that draws me. Sometimes I can't raise my face … Continue reading At His Feet
Birds
Bless the Lord, all birds of the air; sing praise to him and highly exalt him forever!Daniel 3:80 This praise was sung to God in the midst of flames. He saved the lives of those who trusted him, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar tried to murder them for their faithfulness to God. He had … Continue reading Birds
Beatitude
Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for … Continue reading Beatitude
Essential Spiritual Life
Someone who is not attentive to those experiences might think we're making it up or exaggerating. But to let him make the orders about where the line is would be like giving a couch potato the right to determine how much exercise is necessary!
Almsgiving
God caused the trees to growAs strong as they were tall.God made the wind to blowSo that the leaves might fall. Green leaves, pretty leavesScattered on the ground.Through the trees my path He weavesThat they might be found. Fistfulls of living green...Why have they been sent?Living green. Dying green...How can they be spent? These leaves … Continue reading Almsgiving
Ever Shall Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,World without end. Amen. Cold War Growing up in the 90's, I heard many stories influenced by the recent Cold War. For decades, people had been faced with the possibility of … Continue reading Ever Shall Be
The Storm
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. Matthew 14:24 In praying for peace yesterday, this scene from the Gospel of Matthew came to mind. A storm is chaos. It signifies helplessness. We struggle to control the situation, but spending all our … Continue reading The Storm
Priest
In the Old Testament, only three types of people were anointed: priests, prophets, and kings. Christ, the Anointed One Himself, fulfills these three roles to the fullest in the munus triplex (triple office). In our baptismal anointing, we are brought into this munus triplex. We are called to live these three offices in Christ.
A Grain of Salt 