an unexpected journey
a poignant reminder
the depth of the Father’s love
what parents would not go
to the ends of the earth
for the well being of their children
if we in our fallen human nature
can do that much for our children
what wouldn’t our Father do for us
Thank you, Father
for being with me
as i hold my child’s hand
The Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.- Mk 1:12-13
those who see no temptations are blind
those who hear no temptations are deaf
those who suffer no temptations are dead
Jesus became human to suffer temptations
and triumph over them
we who are blind will see
we who are deaf will hear
we who are dead in sin
will be raised with him
Jesus came to proclaim the good news:
we can have life in abundance
all we have to do is
die
to ourselves
and follow him to the Father
fear not the temptations of our deserts
while only angels ministered to him
Jesus himself will tend to us
if our hearts be meek like his sheep
the time of fulfillment has come
the Kingdom of God is at hand
repent and live the good news
Jesus said to them in reply, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance but sinners.” – Lk 5:32
thank you, Lord Jesus
for bringing the light of good news
to those of us who are born into darkness
we who are in heavy in debt
appreciate your generous forgiveness
more than those who are wealthy
we who have serious illnesses
are grateful for your healing presence
more than those who are healthy
we who have been humbled
by our sinful nature have contrite hearts
more open to your love
we who are lost sheep
are more thankful to be found
than those who have never strayed
thank you, Good Shepherd
for bringing the kingdom of God
to the rest of your flock
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. – PS 51:19
my Lord, before you my life is an open book
in your gaze my soul is transparent
yet i fashion fig leaves of my own making
to hide the shame in my heart
so i seek to win back your favor
with fasting and exacting penitent observances
like i could hide my selfish intentions
and when i’ve exhausted all of my efforts
and lost all hope of earning redemption by myself
with despair gripping my soul and pride seeping away
all that was left was destitution – complete poverty of spirit
only then did i cry out for help
only then did i realize i needed you
only then did i turn to you with contrite heart
yet in that moment
i became aware of your presence
my tears turned from contrition to joy
as i felt your love pouring over me
now all i want to do
is fast from the world
and feast in your presence
with a contrite, humbled heart
Then he said to all, “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily* and follow me. – Lk 9:23
O holy Grace,
thank you for the wisdom
to understand
that denying myself
means not choosing
my own cross
but accepting the cross
that you give to me
It isn’t my cross
that will gain me life
Jesus has already
won that victory
To follow Jesus means
to treasure this gift of life,
bear witness to his works,
and when called
be a channel for his works.
Grant that my cross will be
for your greater glory.
Longing For Water 