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
Love
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
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
Spiritual Warfare II: Warlike Strengths
If we are aware of Spiritual Warfare raging around us, we need the best training. The Lord himself trains us for war. All the Children of God have the opportunity to develop warlike strengths--virtues to aid us in battle.
Happiness
You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 Towards the beginning of this blog, I took up the question of happiness. I said there were three signs of happiness:1) Happiness is not simply a diversion from unhappiness.2) Happiness will make us … Continue reading Happiness
God’s Love Languages
What moves me, O God, to love YouIs not the Heaven you have promised me;It is not the awesome Hell that prompts me not to offend You.It is You who prompt me, Lord.It is seeing You nailed to the Cross,Seeing Your wounded Body,The insults You received,And Your death.Finally, it is Your loveSo that I would … Continue reading God’s Love Languages
Draw Me
Draw me after you! Let us run!Song of Songs 1:4 Dedicated to Miss Marcel. 🙂 Crack the Whip When I was young, we played a game called "Crack the Whip". All the children hold hands in one straight line, and the leader starts running in random directions, pulling everyone along behind him. By strength and … Continue reading Draw Me
A Fool to the World
We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed and beaten and homeless, and we grow weary from the work of … Continue reading A Fool to the World