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
Jesus
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
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!
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
Amazing Faith
A centurion approached Him and appealed to Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. For I … Continue reading Amazing Faith
Temptation
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And He fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry.Matthew 4:1-2 The Spirit Jesus received in Baptism led Him into the desert to fast and be tempted. In our own Baptisms, we have become eligible … Continue reading Temptation
Sheep
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and … Continue reading Sheep
A Grain of Salt 