Our theme for Chapel this week has been “Courage.” As I was preparing for my homily, I began to write and this little poem is the result.
Courage
Poetry
Grief
Heaviness.
Behind the smiles, the words
of normalcy seem hollow.
The appearance that all is
as it used to be hides
great grief, a pain beyond
words, a hollowness
within that will live
beyond her death.
Weariness.
My soul is weary; weighed
down with a grief that is
not only mine, but the sum
of a great many whose dark
night awaiting Light look
to God’s priests for words
to heal their wounds – even
as I seek the Quieting Voice.
One day Jesus got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side of the lake.’ So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A gale swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, ‘Master, Master, we are perishing!’ And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?’ (Luke 8.22-25, a portion of the Gospel appointed for Wednesday in Easter 5, Year 1)
What happens when suddenly tragedy comes and a faith community becomes wracked with grief? In a healthy community people come together to offer support and love. People look to the leader or leaders to set the tone in moving forward. Words become important.
Occasionally, though, we who are called to comfort sometimes need comforting words. We need to have the Quieting Voice “rebuke” the storm. We need to be reminded that God’s Love is still working on our behalf so that we can work on behalf of those whose lives are upended by life’s unfathomable twists.
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our sister Holly. We thank you for giving her to us, her family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Storm
Grey skies warn, soon comes a storm. Bolts crease the dark sky, booms shake the walls, threatening the calm. Rain comes, gently at first, then a torrent. Water rushes, splashing indentations in the dry ground, a healing power. Soon the rush slows to a steady drip off leaves. Turning softly quiet, the dust of life now washed away, new life soon to emerge. 10 May 2021
Storms fascinate me. The power of a sudden storm awakens the depths of my soul. To be in the presence of such power is a holy moment. I am reminded of my small humanity, of my need for help and Divine Protection. And, when the storm passes and all is calm, my senses are awakened to the reality that new life will emerge from the ground. And I am encouraged, reminded that the storms in life are brief but life giving. Once the torrent ends, peace and life fills the empty space in my life. Growth comes in the aftermath of our storms.
Mark 1.21-28: The Battle Won
Darkness
Darkness loosed
Darkness run riot
Fingers of evil reach
Clawing away peace of mind
Tearing apart by fear, hatred, alienation
Yet, evil’s desperation reveals Truth, Victory won
His Cross stands empty - evil defeated
Light, Love, Life His gift
Wounded hands, saving all
Light breaks free
Light Victorious
LIGHT!
The reality of evil abounds in our own day. The evil forces of this world, as we hear in the Baptismal Liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer, continually seeks “to corrupt and destroy the creatures of God.” Yet, God has already won the battle over evil. Jesus’ cross stands empty. Death has no power. Life, through the saving act of God in Christ, wins. Light wins. Love wins. God wins. The only power evil has is the power humans give it through selfish, self-centered actions and words. We are invited to live in the light. To live a life filled to overflowing with God’s love. Today, reject the powers of evil and live in the power of God’s Love, live in the power of Christ Jesus who has given us the power to cast out the works of darkness. Today, live assured of the Love of Jesus who is the Light of the World.
As the fog burns away
As the fog burns away 'neath the brightening Sun, a clearness settles in my blurred eyes. Landmarks of a familiar place begin to emerge; Slowly at first, their outlines sharpening in the Light. As the fog burns away a path appears at my feet New again the Way ahead slowly winds ahead, Lengthening, inviting tentative steps as of a child Learning to walk, discovering a new, growing world. As the fog burns away an inner light is kindled, Becoming brighter, reflecting the dawning Day Which beckons to be explored with hopeful promise, With unfathomable treasures for the Pilgrim who dares, Who dares to take the first step; who dares to walk; Who dares to live a new life as the fog burns away.
Times of transition are difficult. Whether the change we face is chosen or forced upon us, the flurry of the changes can leave us in a fog. But the fog clears. It always clears – sometimes slowly. When it does we can begin to see that change is possible. We can see that the way forward is clear. And as we move, as we take step after careful step, we find the promise of newness. Whatever has brought the fog into your life, know it will burn away and a new world awaits your exploration.
-Ram
At the end of what was known
At the end of what was known, comes a new beginning filled with unknowns, promising the hope of restoration. At the end of what was known a better life awaits; promises abound, a brilliant morn of endless possibilities. At the end of what was known Love comes to heal; the very Grace of God pouring blessing on tired souls. At the end of what was known a New Creation awaits discovery. 21 January 2021
As much as life has been upended by all that we have endured, hope endures. Hope, the promise of God’s activity on our behalf, is alive. And not all that has been lost out of the lives that we led need be re-found. Perhaps we are invited to consider the blessing of time spent with family and a slower work pace as a part of our new lives. Perhaps the life that is emerging is one that no longer takes for granted each breath, each waking moment. Perhaps what what we have gained is how God desires to shape us as people who can love. Peace be with you.
-Ram
Hunting for sunsets
Poem written at Camp Capers and photo taken at the F9 Ranch. Two places where I encounter the Holy.
Hunting for sunsets
wherever I go.
Chasing down rays
of shimmering light
breaking through
tree branches
which, like arms,
reach out with
empty embrace for
a lover moved on
before the oncoming
darkness covers
a land who’s stories
fill hearts and minds
of days long past,
with moments of joy
and song filling this
newest night with
wonder and hope.
29 May 2017
Ram Lopez
The Gift of Connection
Too often I find myself overwhelmed by the day.-to-day chores of life. When that happens I miss the opportune moments to notice who God has placed in my life.
This poem is a about a moment when I stopped what I was doing to say hello, to introduce myself and connect with another human being and discover that, in spite of our outward differences, we all share challenges, hopes and dreams.
Take some time in the next few days to look around at the people you encounter regularly. And see if God might be nudging you to make a connection with another human being, another precious child of God!
Love
Sentinel
"...write this..." 