IX The Hermit

(from the Meditations on the Tarot)

In solitude but not alone,

exercising inner strength.

With expectant longing,

practicing prudence.

The wolf will live with the lamb,

the leopard will lie with the goat,

the calf will sit with the lion,

and the little child will lead them.[1]

The Hermit synthesizes –

idealism and realism,

pragmatism and nominalism,

revelation and empiricism

The Hermit wonders… looks within…

and assesses dreams with quiet reflection.

Finding responses with the cosmos…

closer to nature, closer to God.

Carrying the light in the darkness —

his “lamp” separates his being

from the cacophony of tribalism

wreaking havoc around him.

without God nothing was made,

in God was life, the light of all mankind.

The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness can not overcome it.[2]

[1] Isaiah 11, 5-6

[2] John 1: 4-5

Mother

the Spirit came upon her

and the one born of her

is called Holy[1]

we are clingy and restless

beyond life, Moms give being

their holding is freeing

my tongue stammers

and falters[2]

as I acclaim our Mother

we are cranky and hapless

beyond life, Moms engender

union, never asunder

we should thank Her

we should do

what pleases Her[3]

we are helpless and needy

beyond life, Moms assure

that we can endure

[1] Luke 1; 35

[2] Father Judge Meditations p. 7

[3] Father Judge Meditations p. 7

The Phone

I’m sure I’m alone

in my unsocial tone,

but, I distrust the phone.

It is ubiquitous,

but, for me it’s obvious,

it can’t replace oneness.

I don’t need to be cool,

but don’t want to be a fool,

so, I admit it’s a tool.

It does keep us together

connecting with neighbor

embracing the stranger.

I make no apology…

dodging technology,

keeping the autonomy.

House of the Lord (Psalm 15)

My Lady,

   Who may live in the House of Love?

   Who may dwell in your Presence?

Those who walk in your Way,

   and who stand for what is right and good.

Those who speak the Truth from their heart,

   and have no deception in their action.

Those who put up with and take care of the Stranger,

   and listen carefully to their neighbor.

Those who honor the Spirit of truth and goodness,

   and turn away from the willful and arrogant

Those who practice Companionship,

   even when it hurts.

Those who do Good and expect nothing in return,

   and do not speak or listen out of turn.

Those who can hold the Tension of

   of longing faith, impetuous hope,

   and burning love.

My Lady,

   I live in the house

   and dwell with you.

Heaven’s Voice

Fact is revealed truth

Opinion is reasoned declaration.

The mission expects

listening and waiting.

Baptism frees

with patience and strength.

“I am well pleased”

Openness and vigilance

transform insight.

Transfiguration

restores communion.

“Listen to him”

Leading by example,

decriers and defenders are embraced.

The victim forgives

despite Crucifixion.

“The sun stopped shining”

The marvel of belief

is to be understood.

The miracle of Pentecost

is having wisdom and seeing visions.

“They saw tongues of fire

that came to rest on each of them.”

XIX The Sun

(based on Meditations on the Tarot by Anonymous)

Insight reflects

the intense fervor

of profound intimacy

and gifted wisdom.

“Let there be light,”

and there was light.

God saw that light was good,

and was separated from darkness.”[1]

At its rising –

the great awakening

at its setting –

the liminal twilight.

The sun shows the way,

endowing insight,

providing realization…

it warms the regard.

All are given light:

success sparkles,

satisfaction shines,

serenity shimmers.

I am the Alpha and the Omega,

to the thirsty, I will give water.

to the unbelieving, the lying,

I will give a burning lake.[2]

[1] Genesis 1: 3-4

[2] Revelation 21: 6-8

Thanksgiving

God,

We bless you for the gift of today,

for all our difference and distinction.

We bless you for each moment

filled with care and hope.

We bless you for the gift of yesterday,

for all our attention and awareness.

We bless you for each remembrance,

filled with trust and faith.

We bless you for the gift of tomorrow,

for all our input and impact.

We bless you for each legacy

filled with chance and love.

We want to have visions

and see what You see.

We want to dream dreams

and hear what You hear.

We give thanks for unintended consequences

We give thanks for enlightening realization

We give thanks for limitless possibility

We give thanks for communion

May it be so.

Original Goodness

Preternatural gifts…

predispose our privilege

for zealous communion.

We are one with God

and perfect for each other…

stewards sharing creation.

In the image and likeness…

we co-create, cooperate,

and accommodate.

Forked-tongue temptation

harvests the quid pro quo…

and makes us selfish.

Instead, we must cultivate

our relationships…

and be eternally grateful.

Struggle with and stand for…

love one another,

and abide with God.