Sliney Central

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!!

Jesus, so few know you, and most don’t understand,
Your desire to lend a loving, helpful hand.
In spite of being so small, just a grain a sand,
You worry for each one, from your heavenly stands,
Praying, nudging us…to our eternal homeland.

Please, let Jesus in your life, let him be involved,
Peace will flood your soul, many problems will be solved.
Jesus, help them to know you, help them understand!!
Please don’t let them walk alone, offer them your hand!!

You marked me as your priest at the Baptismal font,
You are my most trusted friend and confidant!
Whatever it takes, Lord, whatever you want,
I’ll never be indifferent or nonchalant!!

Christ, it hurts to see how little you are known!
You are the peace they need…why go it alone?
They need to “check in” more with you…not their phone,
In their misery…your mercy is most shown!
Lord, help them feel your love, and enter your zone!