Dignity

Self-worth and self-image

are shaped and enhanced

by and with dignity.

Dignity of play…

   embraces teammates

   reveres the challenge

   relishes the zone

The grace of communion

and communication

foster warmth and joy.

Dignity of work…

   sees nothing but the truth

   hears the honesty

   feels the sincerity

Responsibility

puts up with tactlessness

and takes care of weakness.

Dignity of prayer…

   fulfills being with doing

   completes success with harmony

   perfects epiphany with insight

Respect and openness

absorb the duplicity

and spread universal peace.

My Refuge (Psalm 25)

I lift up my soul and trust, my Lady,

Do not let me live in shame and guilt,

Do not let my negativity triumph over me.

For they will be put to shame,

who are deceitful and insincere.

Show me your ways, my Lady,

guide me in your truth and teach me,

I long for your mercy and protection.

Forgive the sins of my youth

and forget my rebellious ways.

Embrace me with a gentle touch, my Lady,

and hold nothing against me.

You are the source of truth and goodness;

I stand before you aware of your presence

and I listen to you for guidance.

Thank you for making a covenant with me, my Lady

Take away my distress and my guilt.

Guard my life and rescue me; heal my heart,

for I take refuge in you.

Redeem me, my Lady, keep me safe

The Holy Spirit

“The Holy Spirit is to our souls

as the sun is to heaven –  

giving light, giving warmth,

filling with brightness and joy.”[1]

Sunshine provides possibility

and enables nature

to produce beauty

of shape, noise, and fragrance.

Spirit enlightens

and inflames the soul

to make harmony

with reverence, zeal, and kindness.

“The tender mercy of our God,

comes to us from heaven

to shine on those living in darkness,

a guide for the path of peace.”[2]

She listens…

Consoler of the abandoned,

Caretaker of the disabled,

Comforter of the neglected.

[1] Meditations of Father Judge p. 83

[2] Luke 1: 78-79

The Gift

The give of gift is in giving.

Outside of needs and wants,

inclusive of gentle kindness.

Present with a present.

The presenter surrenders and yields

and asks to graciously receive.

The receiver’s reception is in receiving

The gift enjoins community,

affirms with acceptance.

Submission freely submits.

The submitter does not demand a quid pro quo,

rather, only expects a heartfelt share.

The gift tenders happiness.

The joy of giving and receiving

is made whole by pleasantness.

Simplicity

Simplicity begins with pure intention…

simple persons do not act deceptively,

simple persons act straight-forwardly

grounded in obedience and loyalty.

“Wisdom’s ways are pleasant ways,

and all her paths are peace.

Wisdom is a tree of life…

those who hold her fast will be blessed.”[1]

Simplicity cultivates wisdom…

simple persons are not opinionated,

simple persons are open-minded

supported by tolerance and inclusion.

“When you are simple, you cease tricky ways…

A most efficacious way of doing this

is with patience and sweetness

and personal persuasion and firmness…”[2] 

Simplicity practices kindness…

simple persons are not patronizing,

simple persons are humble

confessed by affirming and sustaining.

[1] Proverbs 3: 18-19

[2] Meditations of Father Judge p.54

Righteous

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice

for they will be filled[1]

Advocating justice for all

is virtuous activity,

it transforms our society.

Constantly promoting fairness,

for the neglected and canceled,

slakes the soul’s pursuit of accord.

To serve the whole community,

not only promotes common good,

it aligns with the greater good.

An unwavering inclusion –

cultivates perfect harmony…

fulfilling a life’s sustenance.

Those, who never tire of righteousness,

have their being satisfied.

[1] Matthew 5: 6

Witness (Psalm 36)

My heart has a vision

   the wicked have no love of God

   their eyes do not see.

They are proud and arrogant

   they are never penitent.

They are wicked and deceitful;

   No good can come of them.

They do not ponder or brood;

   they do not follow your ways

   and do not ask for forgiveness.

Your love, my Lady, reaches to the heavens,

   your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

   your justice like the great oceans.

My Lady, you preserve both man and beast.

   How priceless is your unfailing love!

The rich and the poor

   find consolation in the shadow of your wings.

They dwell in your House of Love;

   you give them a drink from your stream.

It is there they share the fountain of life;

   in your light we see light.

Make beautiful those who believe in you,

   bless those who do what they are.

Take away our fears and doubts,

   Remove the hurt of the pain.

No one can find you   

who does not know how to let you go.

Pure in Heart

Blessed are the pure in heart

for they will see God[1]

The steadfast and loyal heart is

directed by good intention,

open to opportunities.

Faith-filled perception renders one

awake, aware, and attentive

for the Beatific Vision

Enlightenment sees with God’s eyes

and clarity hears with God’s ears,

in turn the soul is grasped by God.

Reconciling thus disperses

the haze of selfish ignorance,

and shimmers with selfless kindness.

Blessed are the good-intentioned

for they will enjoy divine company

[1] Matthew 5: 8

Remembering Mike

Michael E. Maulbeck, age 66, of Parsippany, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 5, 2021. Mike graduated from Oratory High School in Summit and for many years, he was an office clerk with the U-Haul company in Saddlebrook, NJ.

However, what he is truly remembered for is his “Presence”. Michael was generally not the center of attention, but his laugh was unmistakable and his stories memorable, so you knew he was in the room. He was always happy to share a tale and invariably enjoyed a hearty chuckle in between anecdotes.

He also was a baseball/softball umpire for years and was recognized as both decidedly assertive and emphatically impartial. Whether it was calling balls and strikes or safe or out on the bases, he was rarely second-guessed and regularly acknowledged for getting the call right.

Mike was beautifully simple in his tastes, expectations, and performance. Yes, Mike was uncomplicated and consistently truly enjoyed a routine of watching sports and model building. Of particular interest was baseball, specifically the Yankees, and car racing, specifically the Indianapolis 500. In addition, he was fascinated by the intricacies of Lego Blocks and would spend hours perfecting a structure. Most importantly, Mike was a happy soul, disappointments were mere inconveniences and easily overcome by a sport’s game on the TV, some comfort food, or an outing with friends and family.

The Funeral Service will be private.

Poor in Spirit

Blessed are the poor in spirit

for theirs is the kingdom of God[1]

Conventional wisdom suggests

poor in spirit is humbleness –

unconditional empathy.

It’s accepting powerlessness…

life is not what’s in it for me

and love is non-competitive.

It’s receptive to the spirit…

selflessness is untouched by sin

and resistant to all judgment.

It’s openness to God’s presence…

communion submits to guidance

and enjoys possibilities.

Those who follow attentively

will be accompanied by God.

[1] Matthew 5: 3