Expressing the Inexpressible
The Indifference virtue
is not one of passivity
but rather of activity.
Conventional wisdom says
Indifference is lethargic
with apathy and doubtfulness.
Epiphanic wisdom says
Indifference is energetic
with listening and non-judgment.
Ironically, Indifference
realizes proper submission
and grateful poverty of spirit.
Heartily, Indifference
forges a blessed discernment
and graced responsibility.
“The greatest among you will be your servant.
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled,
and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”[1]
Human ambition dreams…
Glory and legacy are elusive though,
and their testimony is mute
for those who moved hearts for themselves.
Human ambition strives…
The world’s hall of fame is exclusive though,
and greatness cannot be seized
by those who want honor selfishly.
“Power dazzles the minds of many.
The crowd worships the mighty
but history has an infallible lesson,
the bankruptcy of the ambitious.”[2]
Human ambition is limitless…
Narcissists are hapless though,
and the cheers are vapid and toxic
to those who are intoxicated by their incense.
Human ambition is ruthless…
The exploits of greatness are fleeting though,
and the gods of yesterday are devils today
with those who alter the truth.
“Through art and war,
through endurance and strife,
we have striven to become great
for a few brief days, and failed.”[3]
[1] Matthew 23: 11- 12
[2] Father Judge Meditations p220
[3] Ibid.
“The greatest among you will be your servant.
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled,
and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”[1]
Human ambition dreams…
Glory and legacy are elusive though,
and their testimony is mute
for those who moved hearts for themselves.
Human ambition strives…
The world’s hall of fame is exclusive though,
and greatness cannot be seized
by those who want honor selfishly.
“Power dazzles the minds of many.
The crowd worships the mighty
but history has an infallible lesson,
the bankruptcy of the ambitious.”[2]
Human ambition is limitless…
Narcissists are hapless though,
and the cheers are vapid and toxic
to those who are intoxicated by their incense.
Human ambition is ruthless…
The exploits of greatness are fleeting though,
and the gods of yesterday are devils today
with those who alter the truth.
“Through art and war,
through endurance and strife,
we have striven to become great
for a few brief days, and failed.”[3]
[1] Matthew 23: 11- 12
[2] Father Judge Meditations p220
[3] Ibid.
An expectation can be misunderstood,
and, after the fact,
it feels like an undue demand.
Incomplete communication…
can become a blustery exchange –
clueless cross words.
The root of the problem
is oftentimes a false notion
from an incomplete conversation.
To listen after speaking
is important for being heard clearly,
and makes for proper reacting.
Talking simply the simple talk…
promotes cordial responses –
careful come backs
The last word spoken is rarely the final word,
confusion ensues
without complete explanation
The final word declared is never the last word,
delusion follows
with unforeseen inferences
Avoid conditional demands
and, during the act,
it feels like a joyful expectation.
“It takes courage to be humble.
It is a virtue of truth and justice.”[1]
Humility is the simple truth…
Talk the talk, walk the walk,
Truth abides with justice.
Humility never denies the truth…
we are what we are,
we must do what we must do.
“What we have, we have from God,
beauty, usefulness, desirability
we have all these from God.”[2]
Nothing outdoes humility
not assets, not health, not success…
humility’s legacy is mercy.
Humility abhors hierarchy
and loathes possessions…
humility embraces agreement
“All those who exalt themselves
will be humbled,
and those who humble themselves
will be exalted.”[3]
[1] Father Judge Meditations p67
[2] Ibid.
[3] Luke 18: 14
All for one, one for all –
my responsibility makes community.
Harmony is not lock-step…
asks for listening and honesty,
celebrates dialogue from all viewpoints.
Community is a power for good,
always supporting the common good,
sustaining the greater good in all ways.
Awareness of Presence…
gives us inclusion and indifference,
allows everyone to be attentive.
Community accepts all at the table,
fully participating with hope,
contributing without fear of rejection.
Ritual provides a stable setting…
does not demand blind passivity,
expects heartfelt submission.
Not one, not two –
my responsibility makes community.
Sing a new song,
sing to Our Lady, all the earth.
Sing to God and give reverence,
proclaim the good news every day in every way.
She has made a covenant with us
and bestows great blessings upon us.
Happy are we in Her presence
and, fierce with Her as a companion.
The worldly worship themselves
and put their faith in possessions.
We adore You, You are our creator
and make the cosmos holy.
You, my Lady, are Mother to all
You, my Lady, are true and faithful
You, my Lady, embrace us
You, my Lady, heal us with justice and mercy
Sing a new song,
sing to Our Lady, all the earth.
Sing to God and give reverence,
proclaim the good news every day in every way.
We bow before you
and fear our God with holy fear
Our Lady rules
with righteousness and compassion
The Sea resounds with Your might
The Earth echoes with Your power
The Wind howls with Your strength
The Fire of Your love burns with zeal.
You, my Lady, are Mother to all
You, my Lady, are true and faithful
You, my Lady, embrace us
You, my Lady, heal us with justice and mercy
to stay fit takes a bit
to quit is not legit
yes, the pit looms without grit
to sit is not the script
i must commit to split
not just emit a fierce wit
i submit the “steps” chit
and remit a walk hit
that befits being lit
to permit and acquit
i have-to omit all skit
and not spit on the admit
thus i transmit a healthy kit
not the writ of a hypocrite
to stay fit takes a bit
“…a condition of irreligion and impiety,
a constant trial and an agonizing cross,
not far removed from persecution.”[1]
Service demands sacrifice
tempered by Zeal, service needs kindness,
anticipates suffering, and disquiets the soul.
“… even the heedless and thoughtless recognize
that this earth is no playground,
never forget, we are the children of sorrow.”[2]
Servants reconcile with God,
sustained by Courage, service needs gentleness,
tests discipleship, and endures undoing
“If we endure, we will reign with Him;
if we disown Him, He will disown us;
if we are faithless, He remains faithful.” [3]
So pray that every trial opens your mind,
that every ordeal enhances your body,
that ever misery warms your heart.
[1] Meditations of Father Judge p. 153
[2] Ibid
[3] 2 Timothy 2: 12-13
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