Category: lectio divina

2015.09.08: chosen

For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified. – Rom 8:29-30

when we find
our truest
most authentic
most deeply rooted
desire for life
and choose to cooperate
fully
unconditionally
without fears
or reservations
with the will of God
the resulting dance is
beautiful
joyful
graceful
purposeful
and fulfilling

we are
chosen
foreknew
predestined
justified
glorified

2015.09.07: incurable

The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. – Lk 6:7

you cured the blind
the deaf and the mute
the lame and the palsied
the leper and the possessed
the bleeding and the dead
even those not under the Law

yet you could not cure
those whose hearts were filled
with the riches of this world
with their success in this life
with the fullness of themselves
and their righteousness in the Law

only the poor in spirit
have room in their hearts
for Emmanuel, God with us

2015.09.06: a river flows through us

then Jesus looked up to heaven and groaned, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (that is, “Be opened!”) – Mk 7:34

Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. The burning sands will become pools, and the thirsty ground, springs of water. – Is 35:6-7

a river flows through us
whether or not we know it
whether or not we believe it
whether or not we acknowledge it

the water for which we thirst
resides in a wellspring deep within
waiting to be opened and called forth
even in the midst of the desert

none of us will be renewed
until we hear the word “Ephphatha!”
and allow our souls be opened
so the streams will burst forth

where burning sands once lay waste
water will spring forth on its way
to the all encompassing One Water
as it was created to be

a river flows through us
open our ears to hear the source of life
open our hearts to be reborn in its water
open our mouths to let the river praise