Catholic Meditations

So much to learn, Lord,
so much
from the time we are conceived,
until the day we return.

You are the transforming fire,
stripping away
the dross we think is so pretty,
so rich,
so essential,
our allusions about worth,
and importance,
and truth.

O Lord,
help me be a willing pupil,
to take each lesson you send,
and let it permeate my life,
and clarify my soul
until at last,
when I leave this world,
I hear you say,
Well Done,
and stand arrayed
the soul you would have me to be.

Amen.

Susan E. Stone, 2005

O Lord,
on this day,
do not fault us for wallowing in the whys
that lead us down the roads
we should not go,
the whys which we use
to destroy our faith,
the whys we use
to show our anger at events,
the whys with which we blame you
for the pain,
the sorrow,
the suffering
the grief
the death.

O Lord,
like spoiled or strong-willed children,
Forgive us
as we turn our back
and choose not to see you
walking beside us,
weeping with us,
feeling our pain,
our anger,
our loss.
Forgive us
when we forget
that you come to us
in the eyes of the suffering,
in the hands of the needy,
in the heart of the bereft,
in the aching of the angry.

Lord,
remind us
that we are your hands
here on earth
to soothe the aching,
to build the home,
to rescue the suffering,
to heal the hurt.
Help us speak with your voice,
see with your eyes,
touch with your hand,
this day and always,
Amen.

Susan E. Stone, 2005