Prove to your brother that he is worth loving Worth trekking those extra few miles for Prove to the stranger she’s “worth all the trouble” Of changing her tire with a smile for
Remove any doubt that you cherish your parents Prove you’re the greatest of fans And show all your friends they’re worth getting disrupted for Calendar plans interrupted for
Prove to that hater he’s worth your concern Worth giving your “shirt off your back” for Disprove the Great Lie that God’s Love must be earned By passing it to a detractor
Don’t move without letting the One Who loves most First boast your own worth in His eyes Bestowing His Mother, His Cross, and His Host (1) Which show that you’re “worth all the trouble” Of dying… as an outlaw And rising… with chutzpah Don’t stall… show your in-laws they’re lovable!
*****
(1) “…growth in the Christian life must be anchored to the Mystery of the Cross, to the oblation of Christ in the Eucharistic Banquet and to the Mother of the Redeemer and Mother of the Redeemed, the Virgin who makes her offering to God.” (CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP AND THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SACRAMENTS – DECREE ON THE CELEBRATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY MOTHER OF THE CHURCH IN THE GENERAL ROMAN CALENDAR)
In the strokes of these rough stanzas A mysterious face is painted Some Bonanza star beloved? Or Some lunatic, now sainted?
A winner of the Nobel Prize? A man you’d hope, and cry, to meet? A myth whose magic never dies? A legend whispered in the street? Or theOne whose mocked, so-seemed defeat… Unlocked the skies?
The “Man”…
A so-called “prophet” with thegoal Of bringing princedoms peace? Or… The “Prince of Peace”; the end and goal Of every prophet’s call?
A “judge not” kind of man who preached That mercy is the way? Or… The Way to God’s great mercy, and Of every man, the Judge?
A nice guy flaunting Roman rule Who failed to get his point across? (Yet…. The bloodied cross and nail–point cruel Weren’t Rome’s rewards to “nice guys”)
The “Myth”…
A myth fulfilling Marxist fears As “opium of the masses”? Or… The Master of all hopes and fears Fulfilling ancient myths? (3)
Is “Christ” a cry for wounded flesh? For mess-up’s, a mere curse word? Or… The Word-made-curse to save us by His fleshwounds and His cries? (1)
The “Legend”…
A lie and ploy of early Jews To gain a name and glory? Or… The glorious Name for love of Whom Those Jews, with joy, would die? (2)
A teacher on man’s life and death Who gleaned surprising truths? Or… The Truth, Whose death-to-life surprise Redeems, revives and teaches?
A would-be king reflecting love And light, like countless others? Or… An otherworldly “Kindly Light” (4) And King of love, Whose subjectsnow Reveal… Expand… And reflect… God’s here-but-not-yet Kingdom? ***** (1) St. Paul: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13)
(2) St. Leo the Great: “‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ Is it possible to offer, or even to imagine, a purer kind of prayer than that which shows mercy to one’s torturers by making intercession for them? It was thanks to this kind of prayer that the frenzied persecutors who shed the blood of our Redeemer drank it afterward in faith and proclaimed him to be the Son of God.” (From the Moral Reflections on Job)
CS Lewis: “Now the story of Christ is simply a true myth: a myth working on us in the same way as the others, but with this tremendous difference that it really happened: and one must be content to accept it in the same way, remembering that it is God’s myth where the others are men’s myths: i.e. the Pagan stories are God expressing Himself through the minds of poets, using such images as He found there, while Christianity is God expressing Himself through what we call ‘real things’. Therefore it is true, not in the sense of being a ‘description’ of God (that no finite mind could take in) but in the sense of being the way in which God chooses to (or can) appear to our faculties. The ‘doctrines’ we get out of the true myth are of course less true: they are the translations into our concepts and ideas of that which God has already expressed in a language more adequate, namely the actual incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. Does this amount to a belief in Christianity? At any rate I am now certain (a) That this Christian story is to be approached, in a sense, as I approach other myths. (b) That it is the most important and full of meaning. I am also nearly certain that it really happened….” (letter to Arthur Greeves: from The Kilns [on his conversion to Christianity], 18 October 1931)
Painting: Our Lady of the Southern Cross by Paul Newton
The buzzing heat of summer plush The things that autumn brings The slushy flurried winter hush The singing of the thrush… In rushing spring
The savor of the gravied bird The waft of pies and tarts The belly laughs! The fervent words And grins past clubs and spades... Exchange of hearts
The sacred love of bride and groom That faithful years increase That beckons all who watch it bloom To glance, beyond the gloom The Wedding Feast
The twinkle of the virgin snow The flash of river riled Yet brighter still, the patient glow Of she who bears or holds… A bouncingchild
The One through Whom all gifts appear On shore, in seas or skies The beasts to plow and vine to cheer Each prize of grain or ear… The soil supplies
The Font of every good that’s found The Ground and goal of truth Of beauty seen, the secret Source Of love, the hidden force… The spunk of youth
This One through Whom all men were made Would not endure their doom As man He died (a Trojan raid) Consumed by hate and laid… In greedy tomb
He dove to souls beyond the veil Great Zion’s gates to swing And then He rose to blaze the trail Unstinging death, all wailing… To outsing
This One from Whom flows every gain Remains in hearts prepared When time is ripe, He’ll reap His Reign Love’s embers to enflame… As evil flees, with coattails… Of despair
*****
“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” -Romans 11:36
“There we hope to enjoy for ever the fullness of your glory, when you will wipe away every tear from our eyes. For seeing you, our God, as you are, we shall be like you for all the ages and praise you without end, through Christ our Lord, through whom you bestow on the world all that is good.” -Eucharistic Prayer III
May I retell a winsome tale A pal named Floyd told me? “My days”, he claimed, “are seldom great” “But always good, you see!” I balked, “Now wait!”
My doubt poured out, “You have no days Plum wrecked by Murphy’s Law?” Said Floyd, “I used to, but no more!” “How’s that?” I probed in awe He took the floor
“For many years I begged my Lord To form and make me wise To guide me in pursuit of Christ To splice His Heart with my own Heart of ice”
“I lived a pleasant peasant life Of wife and kids and farming One charming day I met a nun Whose sunny smile was warm Chock full of fun”
“Her sandaled feet and cloak of wool Were full of dust and crud ‘Good day to you, good day!’ I cried Can’t lie, t’was clear as mud What she replied”
‘Oh, thank you, sir, forwishing good But I cannot recall A single day that I’d call ill For Christians, after all Can will… God’s Will!’
“Oh Sister, how should Christians live? Please teach me now”, I pleaded “You radiate such joy, I see Your peace seems undefeated How could that be?”
She said, ‘By willing what God wills Not one bad day can pass When food runs out, I give Him thanks… Another chance to fast On beans and franks’
‘When persecuted for His Name I claim His love to reap (Mt. 5:12) He gives me His own Cross to share I’llrescue wayward sheep Through daring prayer!’
‘If slowed by sleet or snowy banks I thank Him for such beauties When asked to cook or scrub or spin I offer God these duties For all my sins’
‘You see, all things- yes, all! that come Flow through God’s loving Hands He’ll transform bad to greater good How can you learn His plan? Through love, you would!’
“With tears I thanked her, heart a-tugged She hugged me; made her way Her swayful words remained within Since then, not one ‘bad day’ Must say, I’ve had!”
Then Floyd stepped toward the door, and grinned “Good day to you, my friend! Today, the morrow, and ever more Good days that know no end!” Then he closed that door
Yet Floyd had flung a door ajar Within me to the One Whose ‘Midas touch’ turns all to grace Whose Face shines like the sun
God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose… Romans 8:28
Strict justice would require that God will provide relief to you who are sorely tried, as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels… -2 Thessalonians 1:6,7,10
AWAITED by Love since before time began CREATED by Love for befriending Then RESCUED by Love from the heavens descending COMMISSIONED by Love
For Love’s plan
ENVISIONED by Love to assist in the mending And CAPTURED by Love’s reaching “cords
And bands”
EMPOWERED to love the unloved ones with feeling CONDITIONED to love sans condition FORGIVEN of sin to love all with precision For the mission of love’s
Full revealing
And the remission of mercy’s attrition With ambition for unlove’s repair
My science teacher sat me down at lunch and said with pride “I’ve spied how hard you’ve worked… You’ve struggled, really tried!” He shared he’d like to tutor me in things not taught in class I said, “I guess, but will it help me pass?”
He grinned and said, “Of course! Let’s start. For elders and for youth Two wings are sorely needed… To soar and fly to truth!
Like Beatrice, or Morpheus, I’ll try opening your eyes So listen well”, he mumbled, munching fries
“The Matter-only Vision says what’s seen is ALL that’s real The things that you can sense Or measure, test, or feel It holds that all that matters is the matter you can hold On the Matter-only Vision, are you sold?”
I mused, “So if I understand, on science this view is founded The only things that count Are things that can be counted The view that all that’s valuable is viewable by eyes! But in the face of many Faiths, this flies?”
My mentor chuckled, stating, “You have grasped the concept clearly There’s more, please hear me out But first, what is your query?” I said with caution, “I’m a Christian, but I trust in science Could both beliefs be somehow in alliance?”
He jumped up, spilled his tea and cried, “Of course! They’re best of friends! They complement each other On each, the truth depends! A lot of famous scientists were also faithful Christians Like Bacon, Llull and Ockham, all Franciscans!”
I paused and posed, “I guess they had a different kind of vision?”
He nodded, “Yes! Passed down through looooong tradition!”
“The Sacramental Vision says that while what’s seen is real The unseen is as well This view makes sense, I feel It holds what matters most is that which eyes cannot behold When the heart learns how to see, new worlds unfold!”
I realized then the sandwich in my hand I hadn’t bitten His words were oddly filling Such wonders left me smitten I stated, “This is deeper than your class, but no offense!” “I see”, he laughed and said, “it’s making sense!”
I thought, “I just can’t wait to tell my friends about this stuff!”
He drew a breath, sat down, and on he spieled…
“The spirit realm’s unseen, yet by the stuff of earth, revealed Things visible are symbols Unveiling what’s concealed That realm is, in a sense, more real than that which senses sense Is this all clear as mud, or too intense?”
I wagged my head, and spurred him on, my breath held in suspense
He plucked his glasses, pointing to a lens
“A Matter-only Lens examines galaxies or Mars, while A Sacramental Lens Sees past the sea of stars The former says that love is merely chemical reactions The latter, soul and body interactions”
“The former claims our bodies have no purpose but to thrill, while The latter, that they teach us Our purpose, and God’s Will The former has a scope confined to scopes and human tools The latter isn’t bound by physics’ rules!”
The bell then yanked my head from new and mind-expanding clouds “May we pick up here tomorrow” I begged, “as time allows?” He cried, “Of course! And bring a friend who might enjoy this topic!” “I will!” I said, “It’s made me less… myopic!”
That night in bed I pondered, head upon the pillow pressing The Matter-only Vision Is flatter, dull, depressing! It claims that when I die, so dies my “I”; then worms lay claim But the other Vision… sparks my heart aflame!
That wise old bird! He shoved me from the nest to spread both wings
Of science and of faith
To help me find fresh things
To let me scan the heights with eyes of head and eyes of heart
And see the hopeful sights new Vision brings!
*****
“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” -Pope St. John Paul II, Fides etc Ratio
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” -Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
“He kept calling them to what was primary by means of what was secondary, that is, through foreshadowings to the reality, through things of time to the things of eternity, through things of the flesh to the things of the spirit, through earthly things to the heavenly things.” -St Irenaeus, Against Heresies
(Note: this poem is not meant to summarize the thought or teachings of religious leaders. My hope is that it will spark interest in truth-seekers to further study)
*****
Confucius say, he found a way to truth and moral life But Jesus say, “I AM the way, The Truth, the Life”…
… Your strength in strife“
(Jn. 14:6)
The Buddha say, deny yourself; remove desire; be free But Jesus say, “deny [your]self, and bear [your] cross…
… Then follow me”
(Lk 14:27)
Pelagius say, a man can climb to heaven without grace But Jesus say, “without me you can nothing do”…
… Not even first base
(Jn. 15:5)
Mohammed say, “to Jesus I am nearest” “of all men”* But Jesus say, “The Father (God) and I are One”…
… “All knees shall bend“
(Jn. 10:30; Phil. 2:10)
(*from a widely-reported hadith…)
The Mormons say, the Christ began his life like any man But Jesus say, “Abe saw My day; before he was…
… I AM”
(Jn. 8:48)
The Witnesses say, the Christ was made a strong but lesser god But Jesus say, “All pow’r’s been giv’n By God to Me”…
… His staff and rod
(Mt. 28:18; Psalm 23)
Baháʼí Faith say, He’s one of many prophets to be awed But Jesus say, He is The One Foretold of old…
…The prophets‘ God
(Mt. 26:64)
Some people say, He’s just a guru preaching wisdom lessons But St. Paul say, He IS “God’s Wisdom” Truly sharing…
… God’s own Essence
(1 Cor. 1:24)
A Man once said, “None come to Father [God] except through Me” He asked His own, “Who do you say I am?” Then one Replied, “The Christ!”
He still invites
All those who seek
To come and drink
“the water of life that has no cost or price”
(Jn. 14:6, Mt. 16:16, Rev. 22:17, John 7:37)
*****
“There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
*from a widely-reported hadith, Mohammed said: “Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all the people to Jesus, the son of Mary.”https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3443
The only true enemy is that of our souls From our minds, blind and weak, he now sleeplessly steals Gospel truths that bring healing and life never-ending (Jn. 14:6) Deadly lies he is endlessly sending
This liar misleads about who’s the real foe (Jn. 8:44) He hints, “It’s THAT person! They’re evil, you know!” Paul parries, it’s not “flesh and blood, but… dark forces” (Eph. 5) Not people or “chariots” or “horses” (Ex. 15:19)
Not Hezbollah, Isis or Boko Haram
Nor Israel, Russia or those who lob bombs
Nor any world leader, no matter how vicious
Nor killers, abusers or mobsters pernicious
Besides making victims, such figures distressing
Are victims much greater of evil oppressing
“The enemy is the enemy”, not Elephant or Donkey Nor presidents or mayors no matter how wonky Not pastors or bishops despite hellish crimes Nor Fox, NBC, or the Times
Not “Roe” and not “Wade”; NRA or controllers Not this group or that group, nor secret bankrollers “The enemy is the enemy”, as Scripture reminds us The devil and sin ever blind us
His damnable goal is to “steal, kill, destroy” (Jn. 10:10) Attacking with volleys of “darts” to employ (1 Pet. 5:8)
There’s heart-tearing Hatred, unholy Resenting Vile Gossip, cruel Greed and Revenge unrelenting
Discouragement, Lust, and Division so deadly Dark Doubt and Despair all prepare a fierce medley
This “Bad News” proves God as much more than mere “Good News” But the BEST News! In Christ, we will fight and will NOT lose
For He has no rivals, the Savior from Zion
The Lamb’s Holy Cross crushed the prowling “lion” (1 Pet. 5)
And in the end…
The “prince of this world” will be strong-armed to cease (Jn. 12:31)
By the One Who is stronger, the Great Prince of Peace (Mk. 14:62)
• Where is the enemy accusing me right now? • What lie is crippling me right now? • Where is the enemy causing division in my life right now? • Where is the enemy flattering my ego right now? • What temptation is strongest in my life right now? • Where am I most discouraged right now?
(The following is inspired by Yip’s poem above, and in his honor. Yip is my great grandfather one of my main inspirations, after Christ, to write poems. His poem above is a sad reminder of anti-semitism by Christians, a tragically ironic violation of the Gospel of Christ, our semitic Savior)
*
How good of God
To help the Jews
To find His clues
In offered ewes (Is. 53:7; Jn. 1:29)
Salvation’s ruse
*
How brave of God
To teach His Jews
Through prophets’ woos
That soon His shoes
On earth would cruise (Ez. 34)
*
How wise of God
To help men fuse
His Laws with News:
A man for all
His life would lose
*
How “weak” of God
Our flesh, enthuse (from Greek “theos” meaning God)
O “Risen One”, I see you rising every spring anew Each season a rich sermon of the Hope that “springs eternal” (1) The snowdrops bursting through the snow proclaim the empty tomb (Rom. 1) To “bear much fruit”, I’ll live and die with You, a falling “kernal” (Jn. 12:24)
“Rabbi, I want to see…”
To see You, “Great Creator”, in the lightning, quake and fire Yet knowing that Elijah heard You rather in the hush (1 Kgs 19:11) In every soaring, splashing, creeping creature I admire (Gen. 1) And mesa, forest, flashing peak, plateau, and jungle lush
“Rabbi, I want to see…”
To see You as “The Light” in every lantern, star, and sunrise (Jn. 8:12) These guide and warm and banish brackish thoughts; unholy fears (Jn. 1:5) Your children You call “light” to fight the creeping darkness likewise (Mt. 5:14) Through mercy’s works that, to the hurting, makes Your Face appear
“Rabbi, I want to see…”
To see You in all faces, fair or plain, and in the “least” (Mt. 25:40)
Especially the suffering, oppressed, unborn, and poor
To find You in each victim crushed by war, abuse, disease
To seek You in my hidden room; adore You more and more
“Rabbi, I want to see…”
To see You, “Bridegroom of the Church”, when spouses love each other Their faithful, free and fruitful love reflects its holy Source (Eph. 5:32) Each marriage brings to mind Your vows to me, which none can smother “…til death”, and yet beyond! To love You not: life’s sole remorse
“Rabbi, I want to see…”
To see You, “Father-Icon”, in all earthly dads and pastors (Jn. 14:9) Their gentleness, encouragement, correction, and direction Protection from the “father of lies” and sin’s untold disasters You father us through Godly men! Their care is Your affection
“Rabbi, I want to see…”
To see You, “Healer”, as I pray for health in Jesus’ Name (Jn. 14:13) Foreseeing heaven’s healing of all tears and bitter illness (Rev. 21:4) Through doctors, nurses, therapists, Your healing touch we gain Through Christians laying healing hands; through sacraments; through stillness
“Rabbi, I want to see…”
To see You “Jesus”, “God’s Salvation”, as my sin I fight (Mt. 1:21) When on Your Holy Name I call, Your strength could not come quicker (Phil. 4:13) And if I lose a skirmish, “absolution” sets me right Allowing me to hear You say “forgiven” through your vicar
“Rabbi, I want to see…”
To see You, “Bread of Life”, upon the altar-table spread (Jn. 6; Ps. 23) “Unbloody Sacrifice” and foretaste of the feast of heaven (Lk. 22:20) Your Blood and Body offered under forms of wine and bread Like potent “Lembas”, filling us with strength to be Your “leaven” (J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings; Mt. 13:33)
*****
(1) Alexander Pope
49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
Our God’s love is “Less”: It is Fathomless, Endless It’s Bottomless, Boundless, and Rendless
And it is “Without”: Without Count, Terms, Conditions Without Breadth, Length, Height, Depth, or Attritions*
Our God’s love is “In”: Inexhaustible, Infinite Inspiring, Indwelling, and Intimate
And God’s love is “Un”: Unprecedented, Unimaginable Unbelievable? Grace makes us able
*****
*…that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:17-19)
Would God ever pledge to me promises; vows? I take thee, Beloved, today… (1) To be to thee faithful, in good times and bad In sickness and health, my gifts I’ll endow I’ll stay by your side, come what may
To love thee and honor thee all of My days To have and to hold thee for ever… For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer Your refuge I’ll be, in uncountable ways My love and devotion fail never
To love and to cherish thee without condition Not only ’til death, but beyond… I ask for thy love in return for My own Regardless, to thee I’ll be true; it’s My mission I wait for thee now to respond
I found in His Word that God did vow sincerely The day I was baptized His own His “Child” He declared me! Is that all? No! Not nearly Christ wed me in spirit! His Blood bought me dearly His “Wedding Feast” now my true Home (2)
**********
(1) “I will betroth you to me forever” (Hosea 2:19)
(2) “Blessed are those called to the wedding supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:6-9)
He who has the bride [the Church] is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom [John], who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice (John 3:29)
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. (Revelation 22:17)
“For we are God’s Masterpiece…” (Ephesians 2:10, NLT)
What masterpiece arrests you? What artwork thrills, yet tests you? What manmade craft invites you? Inspires, enthralls, and
Smites you, yet delights you?
Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa? The bowing Tow’r of Pisa? Mike’s Pieta so tearful Or Sistine scene,
Pleasing, yet plum fearful?
Stained glass of Notre Dame? The Giza Sphinx of fame? Manhattan’s Times Square Plaza? Navona’s fresh and
Fountainous Piazza?
What genius compositions By classical musicians Tattoo your heart with beauties Give joy and strength to
Ease those heavy duties?
Scarlatti’s fun sonatas? Bach’s choral-rich cantatas? Van Beethoven’s quartets Or Mozart’s moving
Sets of minuets?
Gus Mahler’s mighty “Titan”? Rich Wagner’s “Flight” will frighten! Debussy’s “Clair de lune”? Tchaikovsky’s cracking
Tunes with glory-strewn?
Yet Solomon’s finest could never compare To nature’s most humble and plain lily fair (cf. Mt. 5) But nature’s best work, not sweet Mona’s smirk Not fav’rites by Handel
Could dare hold a candle
To THE Masterwork
God’s Masterpiece! To some, disguised Unseen, unloved, unrecognized The Apex of His works, despised “The Human Being”! We’ll be surprised One day by folks we loved, ignored To see they hid our thirsting Lord Immortal bearers of Christ’s Face Each thirsting member of our race
God’s Grandest Masterpiece, bar none Among the creatures He has wrought His Mother Mary, spotless one Unstained by sin, by shame unfraught
This chosen one, to bear His Son God crafted special, sparing naught She, through the Holy Spirit, spun The One Whose death
Our death
Dead caught
Be not afraid, nor be distraught! Heav’n’s King and Queen for you have fought They fight on fierce for you and kin So let them in o’er sin to win Let Mary lead you once again To love Her Son, through thick and thin
Rhymes for the Rejoiceful 