The Seasons: A Poem

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Sunrise over Amazing Grasses Family Farm The mad Artist wields His brush, Painted colors rush, To life and give flush, Before the quiet autumn hush. The life seems to pour, As colors fall to the floor, To be seen no more, Outside the dark, grey door. Brightness from below, Sun upon the snow, High, cold clouds blow, Flakes and ice appear to grow. The man melts with little seen, Underneath, pale, grey green, Hides life in dark unseen, Waits for warmth and to careen. Buds on branches show, Patience starts to grow, Trickles, streams and veins flow, Bringing fruits of melted snow. Sprung to life it springs, Bees, birds, sound rings, Lush green flings, Its gift bounty brings. Green growth gives one last rush, Underneath the Painter's brush. The mad Artist wields His brush, before the quiet autumn hush. More poetry is available from James M. Hahn in  The Last Dragon and Other Poems  available now. My new book of cryptogram puzzles " Secret Messages from the Saints " is avai
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The Generosity of God

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Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today I am given a glimpse of the generosity of the Lord. In three readings I find three men who were sinners like me. But unlike me, they readily admitted their sinfulness. They fell, or were knocked in the case of Paul, on their knees. They fell upon their faces before the face of the Almighty.

Isaiah cries out "I am a man of unclean lips..." Paul says, "I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be called an apostle." Peter falls before Christ and prays, "depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man." All three of these men recognized their unworthiness to stand before God.

God had a plan for each of them. He had a job for each of them to do. However, in order for them to be ready to fulfill their mission they had to be humbled. They had to recognize their place in the universe. They, like me, needed to learn that they are loved more than they could ever imagine but they are not the center of the universe. Once this conversion took place, God was able to use them to work wonders. God used them then and does so today to show forth His generosity.

Isaiah was the greatest of all prophets during the worst of all times in Israel's history. God blesses Israel through him; through his words and example. God also used Isaiah to give an indication of the generosity to come with the Messiah (cf Chap 53).

Paul persecuted the Church. He sought those who were following Christ for their destruction. God chose this persecutor to be the greatest evangelist to ever live. God used Paul to show that His generosity was not reserved for one race but rather for the entire world.

Peter was a simple fisherman who on that day couldn't catch a thing. God used this fisherman to be the first of many fishers-of-men. God used Peter to show the world that His generosity would endure. Through Peter, the first pope, and until this day we can see the generosity of God through His Catholic Church. As an indication of this generosity God filled their nets and the boats were in danger of sinking. He continues to help the fishermen bring souls into the ship of Peter.

Today think of how generous God has been with you. Think of all the blessings and gifts He has lavished upon you. Think of what you have prayed for in the past and how far better His plans have been than yours. He loves you and wants to bless you. Be generous with Him for He is generous with you!

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