He was amazed at their lack of faith. – Mk 6:6
let me not strive
for false security
nor food or shelter
nor fame or fortune
nor sense of belonging
for all can be taken away
at the whims of unjust rulers
and the fateful hand of death
cultivate in me, Lord
a virtue of gratitude
let me not covet
what i don’t have
but let me be grateful
for what i’ve been given
all i need is your love
you are enough for me
I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made;
wonderful are your works!
My very self you know. – Ps 139:14
when i stop to realize
the creator of the universe
and all things seen and unseen
stars and nebulae
atoms and quarks
also created me
how can i be any less glorious
when i stop to recognize
the artist who painted
the glowing sunsets and rosy cheeks
the colorful flowers of the fields
and fashioned the feathers and wings
of the peregrine falcon
and the sinew and muscle
of the galloping cheetahs
also molded me
how can i be any less beautiful
when i stop to notice
the companion
who was present in the beginning
is present now to me
in this moment
how can i be any less loved
when i consider all things
how then can i respond
to one who is most generous
the only response that is
genuine and authentic
and only i can give
my gratitude
Who keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed
who gives bread to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free;
the LORD gives sight to the blind.
The LORD raises up those who are bowed down;
the LORD loves the righteous.
The LORD protects the resident alien – Ps 146:6-9
little faith is needed
to believe in a god
who lifts up the oppressed
feeds the hungry
free the falsely imprisoned
gives sight to the blind
loves the righteous
protects the unwanted strangers
all that would be required is gratitude
on the other hand
to keep believing and hoping
when you are oppressed
when you are hungry
when you are imprisoned on false charges
when you are blind
when you are unloved
when you are persecuted for being a stranger
that is FAITH
when God is in the world
those who are grateful and able
of the own will and volition
lift up the oppressed
feed the hungry
free the falsely imprisoned
be a seeing guide for the blind
love the unrighteous
welcome the stranger
that is Love
then the body of God is visible
God is with us
Longing For Water 