Michael Sliney

Lonely hearts, anxious minds,
Passed hurts…often close blinds,
Sin promises…but binds!

“Happiness” is not peace!
Time is short, life is leased,
Selfishness must decrease,
Jesus Christ must increase!
Let his love be released!

Chosen by God himself…treasure in clay,
They’re free to say “no”, or humbly obey,
They take on a flock, becoming “padre”,
Mass, confessions, prayer…fills their dossier,
24/7…with such little pay!
Reaching out to sinners who drift astray,
Deep down in the trenches, God’s Green Beret,
Bringing Christ’s message on streets and subways,
No time to stop for a “cafe au lait”,
Not much in the tank when they hit the hay,

Ambassadors for Christ…naïveté?
Priests are joyful inside, take a survey!
Thank “your” priest, with a spiritual bouquet!!

Holy Thursday…God’s gracious gift,
His sacred love…sublime and swift,
Always there…even the night shift!

Good Friday…Christ took on our sins,
By dying…humanity wins,
Selflessness…when will yours begin?

Holy Saturday…hope awaits,
Christ opens wide the pearly gates,
God’s “Providence” replaces “fate”,
Brothers/sisters of Christ…team-mates!
This Triduum…amalgamates!

The child that once was in Mary’s womb,
Was no longer in the empty tomb.
Although her sore heart was pierced with pain!
Her deep faith helped her to ascertain:
That through his Passion, her son would reign.
She hoped and yearned to see him again!

This quest for God as a “triad”,
You need to want it really bad!
Few have the drive of “Galahad”,
Determination…ironclad!
Why wait until you’re a granddad?
Set your course, don’t be a nomad!

The Gospel is a launching pad,
Daily prayer…your Olympiad,
Eucharistic life…must be had!
Mary, as an ally…I would add!
He’s your best friend, not a “comrade”!
ONLY JESUS can make you glad!

Please try to LISTEN, don’t simply “hear”,
Catch emotions, not sounds in the ear,
Dig deeper, beyond the second tier,
Be fully present, right now and here!

Loving? Or going through the motions?
Sincerely? Looking for promotions?
Mechanical? Or with devotion?
“But Father, why all the commotion?”

They are too many who are broken,
God’s loving mercy must be spoken!
Please make it real, not a token!

You are not just “providers”,
Or simply car-pool “drivers”,
Nor cooks who crank out “sliders”…

Your loving glance lights a flame,
In hearts who share your last name,
Each kid is not “all the same.”
Heaven is your goal and aim.

Mom’s, your mission is immense!
Count on God, not your sixth sense,
Christ knows…he will recompense,
Just love…in the present tense!

Buried deep within the crevices of the soul,
Lies the motivational motor of action.
The “why” behind the “what”?…revealing one’s true goal.
This will bring unrest, or peace and satisfaction.

For God’s glory…or your enhanced reputation?
Hidden, selfless love…or “calculated” kindness?
“Skin in the game”…or simply making donations?
Following the light of Christ…or the world’s blindness?

Praise, pats on the back, esteem, and adulation?
The world can’t “fill your tank”…this ends in frustration!
All for Christ, look ONLY for his affirmation!

Barren branches…bearing buds,
Swift streams…swirling silky suds,
Chickadees…calmly chirping.
The world continues working…

Spring silently, subtly shows,
God’s glorious garden glow,
Creations calls: “Contemplation!”
Make time for admiration!!

Spiritual silence…shatters satan’s snares,
Peaceful pondering…controls ceaseless cares,
Constant confession…rebuilds, repairs.

Daily devotions…terminate tears,
Christ-centered confidence…filters fears.
Start seeking, striving, …the coast is clear!!