Will we be surprised, or not?
When meeting God above
He says the man we helped by placing
food in his torn glove
Was God’s own self in human form
with every pain thereof (Mt. 25)
‘Twas Christ disguised in reeking rags and
begging for our love (Jn. 19:28)
Will we be surprised, or not?
When meeting Christ the Lord
He gratefully reveals that hidden
‘neath the suff’ring faces
Of folks we visited at home
or psychiatric ward,
‘Twas His own Face! Still pleading from His
Cross in countless places (Col. 1:24)
Will we be surprised, or not?
When meeting Christ our God
We then discover that each soul
We served unshrinkingly
Was His live image: poor, unhoused, un-
fed, unborn, unshod
He’ll look into our eyes and say,
“You did those things for Me” (Mt. 25)
But Christ has also promised that for
Needs we would NOT meet
For folks we would NOT serve (or, at least
pray for with concern)
“What you did not do for these least, you
did not do for me”
At last, the fire of God’s love
Will either thrill… or burn
Category: works of mercy
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One’s heaven could begin today
But hell could start now too
So walk the “narrow road to life” (Mt. 7:14)
The Savior lights for you (Jn. 8:12)
For in the end we’ll make our choice
Of where we want to stay
The Father’s House of Love, or not? (Jn. 14)
On earth, our choice is made
Our entrance into heaven’s gates
Cannot be guaranteed (Heb. 10:26)
No matter what we do or don’t
Christ’s pardon we will need (Eph. 2:8-9)
God’s heaven is a gift, not earned
Unwrapped by love-in-action; prayer;
For heaven is a Person- Christ!
Where He is… heaven’s there (Jn. 15)
Eternal life begins today
When we return His gaze
And Mary’s gaze of love, as wellOur Queen, who for us prays (Jn. 2:3)
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To listen! Without judgment
To suffer! Without groaning
To pray and hope! Without ceasing
To accept! Without disowning
To serve! With nary a payment
To forgive! With true compassion
To give funding! Without measure
“Where one’s heart is, there’s his treasure” (Mt. 6:21)
To repent of my sin! Confidently
To avoid sin’s “occasions”! Unhesitatingly
To amend my life! Cheerfully
To do penance! Gratefully
To take the last place! Humbly
To be falsely accused! Atoningly
To be misunderstood! Patiently
To be persecuted! Courageously
TO LOVE OTHERS as Christ loves me… -
“Donut” eat boxfuls of Donuts! What gloom!
Sparingly, sweets are just fine to consume
Better eat more of foods like the legume
Then I won’t hurry myself to my tombFoods that are processed? Or foods that are whole?
Fruit plate dessert? Or a cinnamon roll?
Spare me more spare ribs for I am too full
Lord, please equip me with more self control“Raisin’” my arms I implore you in praise
Help me Lord Jesus to lay off the Lays
Raisins and other such foods may I graze
Grub that my body improves, not betraysA deadly mistake: to eat foods that are fake
For arterys’ sake I’ll not make so much steak
With prayer and support my ill habits I’ll break
My food will bring healing and not stomach acheOur Father of love gives us plenty to eat
Amazing Provider of each healthy treat
Eat lots of “God’s candy”! Yes, it can’t be beat
Share food with the poor, and God’s love you’ll repeat -
Now SOMEwhere a parishioner feels lonely and abhorred
But NOwhere is there ANY man abandoned by the Lord
Lord, visit him! Remind him that You dwell deep in his soul
Christ, visit him… through me! I’ll call him, seeking to consoleNow SOMEwhere a parishioner is frozen by her fears
But NOwhere is a soul that God’s forsaken in her tears
Lord, strengthen her! Remind her that you say, “Be not afraid”
Christ, strengthen her… through me! I’ll lend my ear: Your care displayedNow SOMEwhere a parishioner is questioning his worth
But NOwhere is there one unloved by Christ in all the Earth
Lord, gaze on him! Convince him that he’s precious in Your sight
Christ, gaze on him… through me! And swift! his demons will take flightNow SOMEwhere a parishioner feels sad, depressed, distressed
But NOwhere is a soul whom God’s not striving to make blessed
Lord, comfort her! Please fill her with Your hope so fresh and new
Christ, comfort her… through me! Then let her realize that it’s YOU -
Lord Jesus please have mercyon all the sick and poor
Provide for all your children
in famine and in warProtect all who are threatened
especially the unborn
And Christians who are targets
of violence, hate, and scornPour out Your mercy through me
on all who feel despair
May all my thoughts and actions
flow from our love affairHave mercy on all people
both enemy and friend
Please lead all souls to heaven
to praise you without endAmen!
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(Pope Francis declared that the period from the Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8), 2015 to the Feast of Christ the King (November 20), 2016 as the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. Pope Francis says, “It is my burning desire that, during this Jubilee, the Christian people may reflect on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy” (The Face of Mercy, 15) and of course he desires us to practice them as well)
Rhymes for the Rejoiceful 