The Seasons: A Poem

Posted by on
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
0

Welcoming the Rebukes of the Lord into my Life

Posted by on

Matthew 23:1-12

In today's Gospel we hear Jesus say, "The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair
of Moses. Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice."

I don't know about you, but in my mind, once again I am standing behind Jesus saying, "Yeah, what he said. Let them have it, Lord." I also see this reprimand being aimed at the Pope, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons of our day. In my mind I hear the Lord, "You all have my authority but I ask my Church, the laity, the people, to do as you say but certainly avoid like the plague all that you do!"

However, today, the hand of the Lord, no, the finger of the Lord was pointing at me and the words were addressed to my wife, children, friends, and family:

"Those of you who know Jim, do what he says in his books and blogs but don't do what he does. He talks a good story but in reality he is full of lust, gluttony, anger, greed, envy, pride, and sloth. He preaches but he does not always practice. He talks a good game of fasting but he has little self-control. He believes the world revolves around him and not Me. He talks about the importance of prayer but he is often neglectful of his own prayer life..."

Ouch, it hurts and I'm sure it hurt the Scribes and Pharisees. Yet, I am sure that among those rebuked that there were a few who agreed with the Lord. There were those religious leaders who confessed their guilt if not out loud at least in their hearts.

Today and throughout Lent, the Lord is challenging you and me to humble ourselves. He wants us to stop assuming that He is always talking about the "other guy" but that His rebukes may be meant for you and me. This shouldn't make us lose hope. Rather, we should rise to the challenge. Let us make it a part of our Lenten penance to be open to those rebukes, to be called out on the carpet, to have those difficult conversations with the Lord. If we trust Him and love Him, we will be better for it.

Lord, help me not to compare myself with the religious leaders of your day nor the religious leaders of my day. Help me to not compare myself with my brothers and sisters, friends and strangers. Help me only to compare myself to You. Reveal to me my weaknesses, heal those. Show me my sinful tendencies, give me grace to overcome those. Show me my prideful ways of thought and action, help me to be more like You. Give me the grace to be open to your loving rebukes, your compassionate scolding, and challenging love that transforms all who endure it into Saints.

FROM THE SAINTS: "These are the ripe fruits of the mortified soul: tolerance and understanding for the defects of others; intolerance for one's own." - Saint Josemaria Escriva, The Way, #197

Did you enjoy this post? Never miss a blog post from James M. Hahn by following now.
 
My new book of cryptogram puzzles "Secret Messages from the Saints" is available now.
  
Click here to read more from James M. Hahn - Blog - Books - Fiction

Check out his ongoing memoir about life with his special-needs daughter.

Our Giant Wall Rosaries are a perfect addition to your prayer corner, chapel, or classroom.

* Contains affiliate links. No, that doesn't mean that the kids should leave the room. Rather, it means that if you click on a link, and if you purchase something, I may get some financial remuneration for that click and buy. All that means is that my kids will finally get to eat, just kidding but I may get something, just so you know...

Comments

Post a Comment