Being a Catechist
As I watch
for an expression on your face
as proof that you can tell I believe
in greater depth than this lucidity
As I watch
I pray that Christ becomes visible
well beyond what your eyes now see
to sense that His love last for eternity
As I watch
my courage dig deep into His well
of life to bring forth refreshing truths
that nourish faith as it grows from youth
As I watch
his peace and grace un-conceal itself
in the occasional moments we have exchanged
and shared within vignettes He has arranged
As I watch
hope reach out within your inner soul
to a distance further than what you now know
and let you see I am a reason you can trust tomorrow
As I watch
the smile on your face light up the room
in joy with others as loves flame ignites
a spark of further desire in God’s delights
As I watch
you move outside of what we had
well into your own time and atmosphere
I pray you feel Christ’s heart is always near
Near the end of a Confirmation year we had a session that left me breathless in how connected these young people had come in such a short period of time. A catechist of course does indeed do a little more than watch. However, true joy comes from the faith, hope and love that we have found ourselves and now actively participate in as we get to watch the Holy Spirit in action.
For further reflection: Letters of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
This poem above is included in the collection of 40 Christian poems in the The Color of My Heart within the Immersive Prayer website. The poems are also available in book form on Amazon in Paperback or . All Proceeds go to Charity. |
Additional Thoughts about my Poetry
I believe my writing fits snugly into the category of grounded mystical Christian theology. I have studied, written, and spiritually and physically applied this practical concept in my life for nearly two decades. I have never seen or participated in what some might call a vision or phenomenon. However, I appreciate that they may be a reality for the person or group, and God has provided them with deep consolation. For me, consolation is the beginning of a two-way relationship with God.
My own experiences are more intellectual in nature because I lean toward engineering and science. The reality for me is that God is always present because we are his tabernacles. We constantly miss His surfacing of lighter than a feather touch because we are a physical people. We talk about opening our hearts to this love, but technically, our intellect gets in the way. I have been trying to prove this virtually every day for well over a decade by documenting what I believe are grounded mystical thoughts in various ways.
The tragedy of 9/11 was a significant transformative moment in my spiritual life because of a first hand experience. I am re-dedicating the thoughts and prayers associated with my Christian Poetry to all those affected.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these reflections of the contemplative material of 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.
Peace,
Jerry
Attributions:
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use Bible passages.
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