2015.03.07: again

You will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins; – Mic 7:19

Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner
do not look upon the strength of my resolve
nor the veracity of my promise
for you know that i am weak
that i will stumble
again, again, and again
yet if you are willing
i will crawl to my feet
again, again, and again
with your help
i will carry this cross 
unto Calvary
where my baptism 
will be consummated
and heaven and earth are joined
again.

2015.03.06: not forbidden fruit

“Therefore, I say to you, “the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” – Mt 23:43

long after Eden
we still eat the fruit
of the Tree of Knowledge
and drink deeply
at the fountain of pride
we fill our days
with busyness
of our own creation
never having the time
to listen to the Word

is it any wonder
that we don’t recognize
our Lord in the flesh?
long after the cross
he still comes daily
with hands once nailed
to the cross
he offers us the fruit
of everlasting Life

will our eyes be blind?
will our ears be deaf?
will our hearts be hardened?
what is freely given
must be freely received
the Kingdom of God is here
the choice is still ours

2015.03.03: a servant’s prayer

“The greatest among you must be your servant.” – Mt 23:11

Lord Jesus,
you gave me eyes to see
let me not look for the admiration of others
you gave me ears to hear
let me not listen for the applause of the crowd
you gave me a mouth to speak
let me not sing praises to false gods
you gave me hands to serve
let me not help only those who can pay
you gave me a heart to love
let me not love only those who love me
grant me, Lord, the heart of a servant
let me taste the cup which you offer
never let me be separated from you
again