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
God
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
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
Innocence
O God, the restorer and lover of innocence,direct the hearts of Thy servants unto Thyself:that being enkindled with the fire of Thy Spirit,they may be found both steadfast in faith and fruitful in deed.Catholic Collect Innocence is a confusing topic to me. On the one hand, many want to protect innocence, such as that of … Continue reading Innocence
Hope
I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.Jeremiah 29:10-11 God speaks these words to His people exiled in Babylon. He promises … Continue reading Hope
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
Justice and Mercy
How gracious is the Lord, and just; our God has compassion. The Lord protects the simple hearts; I was helpless so He saved me.
A Grain of Salt 