Lukulu children hugging Love for Lukulu missionary Tomas
In those Places where Love waits for me… Will I pause to rest? Within My heart of hearts, Love waits And misses me When I forget… Will I sit and visit with this Guest?
In those Kids who chase and make me laugh… Would I glance Love’s dirtied face? From Family I neglect to see Who memories share Who cherish me… Would I dare receive Love’s firm embrace?
At the Altar-banquet spread for me…* Will I go love Love, its Host? In Truth-words that are said to me Or written down That set me free… Will I let Him love me, Who loves most?
I whistled as my coworker and I closed up the shop While mopping, we shared heroes and examples I asked my friend, “Say, if some saints would come for cone or cup “What flavors, do you reckon, would they choose? I’d hand ’em samples!”
My coworker, amused, gave this reply
“Saint Pete would go for Rocky Road; at least two reasons why On road from Rome, ‘Quo vadis?‘ He asked Christ Since Paul once stopped near Naples, Neapolitan he’d try A Trinity analogy he’d buy… Though imprecise!?
“It’s clear which flavor many of the Carmelites would like For Blessed Ukon, Matcha he’d attack Saint Benedict would, as a rule, first pre-bless every bite And Athanasius would not stand for ‘lite’… But full sugar, full fat“
I shared how my dear dad had told some tales of his own heroes Who’d licked this heav’nly gift with grateful hearts…
Before we each clocked out, I shared with shock and some emotion The goal of all devotion, we’d neglected The Royal Couple! To express my love for both, an ocean I told my friend, “I know what they would pick If I’m correct…”
“Undebatably divine, the flavor known to rule A Chocolate cone would Jesus love, three scoops and chocolate dipped Her mantle’s hue to match and to evoke her queenly footstool * A Blue Moon might be Mary’s, crowned with whip… But would it melt As she went round As mothers do Till she had found That no one in the parlor had been skipped?”
***
*And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. -Revelation 12:1
With every face I glance at I’d love a face to face Delighting, laughing, glad to share What brightens us, or baits despair One day, by grace… We’ll have a face to face
Everyone I’ve seen One day, please God, I’ll meet To listen as they tell their story Feel with them the grief, the glory Hope to meet… With everyone I’ve seen
Every single person From posh to homeless poor Will face the choice to live as peers To give their voices; lend their ears For endless years… With every single person
A man once called himself The Truth His claim is gaining ground Though to the seeker, seems aloof He’s drawing near! For where there’s truth, He’s found
Where science unlocks the sky’s great secrets Or glances quantum dancing Or documents new breeds of egrets He’s smiling there! Since where there’s truth, He’s found
He is the root of any truth In religious man-made systems Though mixed with errors or idols mute He’s purging there! For where there’s truth, He’s found
Where truth is violently denied Or outlawed, mocked or jailed Where for the truth, some even die They die for Christ! Since where there’s truth, He’s found…
And to where He calls…
Will all who loved truth see The Truth unveiled ***
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -Jesus, John 14:6
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” -Matthew 5:10-12
(Title is a quote from An Essay on Criticism by English poet Alexander Pope)
***
As you battle to forgive That miser “sev’nty times seven” You’re promised mercy in return “Forgive our sins as we forgive” One’s pardon pulls down heaven
Forgiveness is not “doormat-hood” It shuns abuse and crime And wisely lays down boundaries firm For “eye for eye” will blind the earth* Says God, “All vengeance, mine…”
As you echo Jesus’ prayer “O Father please forgive them They know not what they do”, then quick God rids your heart of bitterness As perfect joy you give Him
When you bear with patient love Ill will of foes or neighbors You “bear your cross” with help from Christ The Peace he gives you will suffice Plus sundry sunny favors
When you love your enemy Who wounds you or offends You love the Lord! But be aware
The “enemy” yourself may be!
On love for some…
Or rather, most…
Or rather, all…
Eternal joy, beginning now, depends
***
*attributed to M.K. Ghandi, although not exact words
Rhymes for the Rejoiceful 