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
Mission
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
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
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
Still Face
My Love, I have your portrait to bring you to my mind.Within its painted eyes I look when I would comfort find.But its "eyes" are wells of paint; no tears they offer me;As for seeing, Jesus Mine, no help if you had three.And your face, my Love, so still... Can it be you love me? … Continue reading Still Face
Vocation
St. Therese of Lisieux dreamed of serving Jesus as a missionary in Vietnam. Jesus had other plans. As she was lying on her deathbed, her sister Celine (Sister Genevieve) said to her, "Since you want to go to Saigon, perhaps when you are in heaven, I shall go in your place to complete your work, … Continue reading Vocation
I Spy…
Our spirits need the sense of magic. Don't settle for less.
Spiritual Warfare V: The Rosary
The Rosary has been described as our best weapon in Spiritual Warfare. We ask Mary--she who pondered everything in her heart--to help us meditate on the life of Christ. The Rosary drives the demons back, as though we brandished a sword in the midst of a host of angels. But how?
A Grain of Salt 