The Seeing

trials compete for the perception of our present reality
often filtered by our finiteness and the prism of subjectivity
adversity challenges our faith's vision as we seek understanding and relief

eternity's advantage provides a more enlightened perspective
especially from the One who has already tread the Via Dolorosa
and triumphed over death's dominion
so let us commence the seeing together and find the truth midst labor's pain

you see your cross and say "Why me?"

I see your burden and say "Why not you?"
give Me the name of a friend upon whose shoulders
you would place it in your stead for all must walk
from the darkness of the fall through change's portal
into Purity's light though many decide to travel in the shadows
'till  in the end they find horror in the rewards
they vainly pursued

you see your cross and feel others elude such pain
seeming always to prosper while you struggle
from day to day

I see all and say no one escapes
though appearances deceive
each journey is different yet the same
My call and offer have no limits save in the will
of everyman since the battle for the soul is inward
and there lies the many unseen afflictions

you see tribulation's pressure and wonder when it
will ever end and what purpose it could ever serve

I see gold in the making when in cooperation
the flame of purification is accomplishing its mission

you see the temptation to escape everywhere you look
and find momentary solace in pleasure's company
sometimes turning from My ways

but I see only ball and chain when self is enthroned
while never finding the satisfaction sought

you see simply the struggle to carry your cross

I see your willingness to endure
trusting despite uncertainty's din

you see your solitary journey and despite prayer
and personal support feel the aloneness
of your painful watch

I see your trusting faithfulness and the angels who
accompany your every step while My Presence fills
your sacred temple

you see the struggle to face your hardship and give
thanks in all circumstances as your feelings resist your will

I see the Spirit hovering over your waters re-creating
and renewing you in the image of gethsemane's passage

you see a self of weakness and need

I see a heart becoming like Mine for
love is transformed by Love and in the end become one

so take comfort in these truths
keep your eyes on Me and
unite yourself with My timeless Calvary and
while seeing your present challenge
know that this too shall pass

Reflection/Discussion:
-Which thoughts reflect your experience? How?
-Which "seeing" by the Lord struck you the most?
-How does an "eternal perspective" help?
-When looking back at past trials, how did the Lord use them?
-How do faith and feelings relate in your experience of trials?

-

The Mother Mary

she was always there for Me
our bond like no other
my beginnings
shrouded in mystery
deterred her not
in her acceptance of Life
and a mission of humble service
joy was her covering
surrender her heart's desire
love her gift
though My identity was beyond her understanding
and more than she could touch
she bathed My soul with tenderness
and a strength Divine
while her smile fed my days
always lifting Me higher
she guided others to follow Me
as she herself grew to measure
'till sorrow's lance pierced her being
while gazing without believing at
My stark end
yet again her submission
responded to My final request
taking all as her very own
to draw them to Myself
her eternal call

Reflection/Discussion:
-Describe Jesus' relationship with His Mother.
-What role did Jesus give to Mary?
-What part does Mary play in your life?
-How would you explain Mary to someone inquiring about her?

The Offering

Suffering can be devastating. The process of grieving has ebbs and flows, and, like a beautiful
but uncomfortable song, it replays in our souls 'till it becomes part of us. But, in that process of acceptance, meaning resurrects our spirits as we learn to join our suffering with the Lord's greatest gift to us, and, together, bring others to benefit from our own offering.

The Offering

sorrow propels the soul
along paths illumined by darkness
calling for surrender in the valley of shadows.
so, we make our way to eternity's shore
by sight unseen, burdened
under the weight of the fitted cross
'till grieving is spent by acceptance renewed.
we can, nonetheless,
capture meaning in our loss
by joining-in love's tenderness-
our wounded heart
to Another's offering
whose bitter pain from long ago
is made present by grace.
and, in that decision,
purpose can abound
for intentions lifted by
wings of tears and
Love's embrace.
together,
bearing a willingness to fulfill
what is missing in the Body,
we share and extend
grace's measure
and deepen a union
of noble caresses
with a Heart
pierced and offered for all-
including
you.