Close

I had grown so close
To the words of inspiration
That seemed to come from deep inside

Faithfully I also listened
To words read and heard
Collecting melodious energy far and near

I was ready to write
About a thought that had brewed
Accepting the task a fair exchange of joy

All I had to do was
Follow the whispers down the path
Of holiness, letting the words find the way

Instead this time I became
Filled with lonely emptiness
How could I complete the poem by myself

Alone in the silence
I heard from deep within
Words that were mine, not from far outside

For the first time I realized
I had listened but never asked
A longing question; What is Your will

A memory now, of how, we became so close

I had come to a breakpoint where I had to move past listening, a time to move past simply hearing God speaking to me. The books, the stories, liturgy, grace of other people, prayer, even thoughts in the recesses of my mind seemed inadequate.  I begin to realize I needed to become part of something much larger. My participation had to become part of the fabric of my being. Although I had found great joy from the journey I was on, this concept gnawed at me.

Profound questions seem to appear, in my case I had to ask a tough question.  Was I writing because of the joy I liked to feel when doing so? In the immediacy of the silence I discovered the emptiness of what life in the world would be like without Him.  The thought hit like a hammer. I had not truly asked the question He knew I would eventually ask. With no strings attached, I asked God what he wanted from me. Now it is a never ending moment, a lasting memory of mutual unconditional love.

For further reflection:

Matthew 4:18-22 Reflection – Jesus Thirst for your Love

Romans 8 Bible passage from the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings or other contemplative material to this Web-based ministry? Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.

Prayer for young families:

Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.