Catholic Meditations

O Lord,
Forgive us our determination
to make our wants,
our needs,
our longs
to be the word that you ask of us
instead of listening to the word
you speak into our hearts,
how to live as children of your light,
children who forgive,
who love,
who stand as your peacemakers.

Forgive us, Lord,
of all the times
we have used you, like a club,
to beat our enemies,
to force our way,
to wallow in self-righteousness
that is not built on your righteousness,
but our need to control.

Touch our hearts, O Lord,
help us see,
help us know,
help us walk as children of Your mercy,
this day, and always,
Amen.

Susan E. Stone, 2007

Labels: Being Merciful, Penitence

O Lord,
I hear your voice whispering,
calling in the wind
as the snowflakes pile up,
"You are warm in your house -
have you thought about those who are cold?"
and I am aghast,
for I had not.

O Lord,
I hear your voice whispering,
calling as I cook in my kitchen
preparing an abundant meal for my family.
"You have food to eat in plenty,
have you thought about the hungry?"
and I bow my head in shame,
for I had not.

O Lord,
how often I walk blindly,
forgetting your call for mercy.
Soften my heart, O Lord,
give me a mind that remembers
the needs of others,
eyes that see
the need for mercy,
hands that respond
without being prodded.

Amen.

Susan E. Stone, 2006

Labels: Being Merciful, Love of Neighbor