VIII Strength (Justice)

We are acceptable

for God’s healing mercy,

despite being not so good,

we have a part to play.

“The sentence we received was right,

but he has done nothing wrong.

Jesus, remember me”

“You will be with me in Heaven.”[1]

Justice restores with mercy,

the common good is ruthless,

the greater good tells the Truth,

and recognizes goodness.

So true Justice is not punitive

yes there are consequences

judgment yields to compassion –

forgives, forgets, foretells.

The delicate balance of Justice

avoids recidivism,

engenders compliance,

so strive to serve, strain to support.

“Forgive those who offend,

and you will be forgiven.

Do not forgive offenders,

and you will not be forgiven.” [2]

[1] Luke 23: 41-43

[2] Matthew 6: 14-15

The Greater Good

I thank God for the graces

He gives me.

“Of all creatures in the world,

I am the one;

Heaven has spoken to.”[1]

…be good, do good

What about this blessing

I have received?

Can I say with Paul

That I am good

“By the grace of God,

I am what I am:

and his grace in me

is not void.”[2]

Thank God that there is

an abundance of good will

to make me grace-full

a power for good

“He did give me such graces,

not for my self-glory,

but for the greater good.”[3]

… the glory of all

I thank God for the graces

He gives me.

[1] Father Judge Meditations p. 245

[2] l Cor. 15:10

[3] Ibid p. 245

The Divine Touch

Be with me, God, as I draw near,

your touch is neither harsh nor fleeting.

Your arms and heart are open,

filling me and infusing me

with your will and nature.

Be with me, God, as I draw near,

your touch is kind and gentle.

Always in all ways,

your embrace holds me and unwraps me,

life received and love surrendered.

Be with me, God, as I draw near,

your touch is careful and complete.

I yield with my whole being

to be one with you

endless and constant

Be with me, God, as I draw near,

your touch is life-giving and love-bearing.

Dress Code

Activity

from entrance to exit

dictates behavior…

appearance

helps harmony.

A uniform

from sports to work

conjoins a team…

colleagues

for a joint effort.

A vestment

from prayer to prep

bestows esteem…

participants

empowered to act.

A logo

from play to metal

symbolizes affinity…

supporters

rouse empathy.

A presence

from dawn to dusk

walks the walk…

partners

grasp clothes matter.

Heartstrong

headstrong

needs to do.

heartstrong

wants to do.

Headstrong is willful

and can’t be advised.

Heartstrong yields

and adapts.

“What’s in it for me?” makes

Headstrong snub neighbor.

“Help me, help you.” makes

Heartstrong do good.

Headstrong doesn’t listen

and is inflexible.

Heartstrong complies

and sees possibilities.

“What about you?”

convicts the headstrong.

“Yes means yes.”

acquits the heartstrong.

Headstrong is careless

without forgiveness.

Heartstrong is careful

with compassion.

Indifference

When riddled with doubt have faith

Faith submits Truth

and shares the Greater Good

thus trust leads to Hope

Hope’s constancy

creates loyalty

with obedience

In the face of fear be not afraid

Detachment

stands in the stream

again and again

Acceptance

fosters bridges

disdains walls

Beauty has been restored

Transformed

by practice

all will be well

Murmur

Murmurers are disruptive.

Murmurers are distracting.

Murmurers are distressful.

“Murmurers form cliques.

Murmurers take all things personally,

Murmurers are suspicious.” [1]

They feel imposed upon,

while imposing

the imposition of their views.

“… for the reproach of their murmuring

they were destroyed by the destroyer

and perished by serpents.” [2]

Murmuring has no charity,

Murmuring has no fellowship, 

Murmuring has no vision.

“A critical mind is disrespectful…

A critical heart is destructive…

A critical spirit breeds discontent.” [3]

The careful are considerate.

The careful are constructive.

The careful are content.

[1] Father Judge Meditations p. 216

[2] Judith 8: 24-25

[3] Ibid p. 216

XVI The Tower

(Pearls from Hermes)

Unintended consequences

disrupt all plans,

foster abandonment,

and threaten downfall.

“Woe to those who do not fear,

He puts down the mighty,

He scatters the arrogant,

He sends away the rich.”[1]

Boundaries will be breached

and towers will be struck down.

Just like death and birth

and destiny and evolution.

In the tower the true Self

unites with the lower self.

The self crosses the Self,

the Self crosses the self.

The falling are lost sheep –  

to return to the “flock”…

They must submit

to the Life of love.

“He who exalts himself

will be abased,

And he who humbles himself

will be exalted.”[2]

[1] Luke 1: 51-53

[2] Luke 14: 11