THE GENTLE HEALER

 

THE GENTLE HEALER

Upon a pallet worn with pain,
A helpless man in grief had lain;
His weary body frail and weak,
No strength remained, no hope to seek.

His family wept through shadowed days,
His friends searched out healing ways;
With loving hearts they would not cease,
Till they brought him to the Prince of Peace.

To sweet Lord Jesus thus they came,
Believing in His Holy Name;
Though sorrow pressed on every side,
They trusted Christ would still provide.

They did not leave ill man alone,
Nor let him bear his grief unshown;
Through crowded streets with steadfast care,
They carried him with hopeful prayer.

When before the Lord they stood,
Christ looked on them with gentle good;
With Mercy shining from His Face,
He poured forth holy healing Grace.

The Saviour spoke with Voice so mild,
He looked upon His suffering child.
His words restored the broken soul,
Christ made the wounded spirit whole.

The man who once in weakness lay,
Stood up renewed that glorious day;
With strengthened limbs and heart restored,
He praised the goodness of the Lord.

So, too, does Jesus seek us still,
Within our fears and when we're ill;
For every soul bears hidden pain,
Walks through loss, despair and strain.

Some suffer deep within the mind,
Where fear and anxious thoughts embind;
Some bear afflictions of the flesh,
Whilst others long for hope afresh.

Some hearts are wounded by despair,
By loneliness too hard to bear;
Some souls through sin and grief are torn,
They wander tired, afraid, forlorn.

We stand in need, at Christ’s dear Feet,
Where wounded hearts and Mercy meet;
For every person needs the care,
Of Jesus Christ; Who hears each prayer.

Let us not be harsh unbidden,
For hidden griefs are often hidden -
With silent tears we never see,
Within another’s misery.

Let us not ourselves condemn,
When weakness burdens heart and limb;
May we place our fears and pain,
In Jesus' Hands; and strength regain.

For Christ the Merciful and Just,
Is Refuge to Whom all we entrust.
Jesus heals the wounds, we bring to Him,
Of body's weakness; of soul's sad sin.

Yet Christ’s own healing does not end,
Within the soul He comes to mend;
He calls us all to gladly share,
His healing Love and tender care.

Kindly words, a hand held tight,
Prayers offered through the night;
A patient ear, compassion true,
Let God’s own healing shine right through.

Let none ignore this sacred call,
To comfort those who faint or fall;
For Heaven’s Grace through us may move,
To lift another through Christ’s Love.

Some are called in special way,
To heal the suffering night and day;
The nurse, the doctor, counsellor kind,
The priest who brings God’s peace of mind.

Caregivers with faithful care,
Stand beside pain with constant prayer;
Healers serve gently through the night,
To share with all, Christ’s healing light.

O let them brave and steadfast stay,
Within a wounded world today.
Society hungers deep within,
For Mercy stronger than its sin.

Christ walks gently by our side,
Our strength, and comfort, and true Guide.
He blesses all who do their part,
With streams of Grace from His dear Heart.

REFLECTION

When the helpless man lay upon his pallet, weak in body and weary in spirit, it seemed that all hope had faded away. His loving family and friends carried him to sweet Jesus. They believed that even in the midst of sorrow, the Lord could still bring healing. The devoted family refused to abandon the sick man in his suffering. 

The compassionate Saviour looked upon the man with mercy, tenderness, and Divine love. Jesus spoke words of healing and restoration, whereupon the man rose to his feet with strength and joy.

Just so does Jesus enter our own lives today. Every soul carries some wound or burden. Some suffer in body through sickness and pain. Others suffer in mind through fear, anxiety and confusion. Some people suffer in heart through grief, loneliness or rejection. Others suffer deep within the soul through sin, despair, or emptiness. We all stand in need of the healing Touch of Christ.

Let us not be harsh with one another, for we do not see the hidden struggles another person carries. Let us not be harsh with ourselves, but instead place our brokenness into the gentle Hands of Jesus. May we trustfully allow the Saviour to heal us with His Mercy and Love.

Let us be grateful when Christ restores us, and perpetually remember His goodness. The ministry of Christ does not end with healing. The Master calls each one of us to bring healing into the world through kind words, compassionate hearts, patient listening, gentle understanding, and loving actions.

A smile, a prayer, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement can become a channel of God’s healing Grace for others. Let us never bypass this sacred calling.

Among God’s people there are also those specially called to the ministry of healing. Trustworthy doctors, nurses, healers, counsellors, priests and caregivers dedicate themselves to comforting the suffering. Let those called to this holy work be brave and steadfast in a world so wounded and weary. May they bring hope and healing to a world that longs deeply for compassion, care, understanding, and healing.

May healers never grow discouraged, for Christ Himself walks beside them, blessing the work of their hands and filling their hearts with strength and love.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Healing Touch" 

HAND IN HAND WITH CHRIST - ASCENSION

 

Hand in hand with Christ

I thought upon when Christ lifted up,
Through Ascension holy, after Gethsemane-cup;
It seemed as if 'mid daily strife,
Christ looked at me and changed my life. 

As I pondered His Ascension bright,
From the mount in holy light;
It seemed Christ gazed and spoke to me,
"Come, follow where I lead thee free."

"Forsake the sin that clouds thy way,
Only seek the good from day to day."
I stood in thought, my heart now taught,
Inspired to change my life to what I ought.

In my dream, 'pon mount's golden light,
Our Saviour seemed to stand with Mercy bright;
He took each trembling hand with care,
And spoke with love beyond compare.

“Go forth,” He said, “through every land,
To carry forth My great command;
Proclaim My Gospel far and near,
That every soul My voice may hear.

When you grow weak, I’ll make you strong,
And guide your feet when paths seem long;
When doubt and shadows cloud your way,
My Light shall turn your dark to day.

You’ll feel out of step with worldly pride,
For you'll no longer walk beside -
Fleeting ways men chase below;
You'll follow where My Footsteps go.

Be brave in winter, spring, and fall,
Speak of My Love and Grace to all;
Through every season do not fear,
For I, your Lord, am always near.”

Then heavenward Christ arose above,
The King of everlasting love;
And when our final hour draws nigh,
We too shall lift our hearts on high.

With peaceful joy our souls shall rise,
To meet our Lord beyond the skies;
Hand in hand with Christ once more,
We’ll dwell in light for evermore.

REFLECTION

The glorious Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ stands as one of the great mysteries of the Christian faith. After His Passion, Death, and triumphant Resurrection, Our Blessed Lord remained with His disciples for forty days. Jesus strengthened their hearts, taught them concerning the Kingdom of God, and prepared them for the sacred mission that lay ahead. 

Then, in the sight of His Apostles, Jesus ascended into Heaven. He returned to the Father from Whom He had come. The Ascension was not an abandonment of His people, but the completion of the Messianic mission entrusted to Him by God the Father. Having conquered sin and death, Christ re-entered into heavenly glory, where He reigns eternally as King, High Priest, and Advocate for humankind.

Before ascending into Heaven, Jesus gave His disciples a solemn command: to preach the Gospel to all nations and to carry His message “unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” (Matthew 28:19-20). This sacred commission was not given only to the Apostles, but to the whole Church throughout every age. Christians are called to proclaim the truth of Christ through word, example, charity, and faithful witness. 

The Gospel must be carried into homes, schools, workplaces, cities, and distant lands, so that every soul may hear of the Mercy and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The Church therefore continues the mission of Christ in the world, guided by the Holy Spirit Whom Our Lord promised to send.

Yet following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ is not an easy path. The Christian who seeks to walk faithfully with Christ soon discovers that the values of the gospel are often at odds with the spirit of the world. Our Lord Himself warned that His disciples would face misunderstanding, rejection, and even persecution. 

To follow Christ means to choose truth when falsehood is easier, and holiness when temptation surrounds us. Disciples need to strive after humility when pride is praised, and love when hatred seems stronger.

Those who truly seek to live according to the teachings of Jesus may find themselves out of step with many around them. But this should never discourage the faithful Christian, for the path of Christ has never been the broad and easy road.

The Ascension reminds believers that their true homeland is not of this world. While Christians live and labour upon the earth, their hearts are directed toward Heaven where Christ reigns in glory. The faithful are called to fix their eyes upon eternal things and not merely upon passing earthly concerns. 

The world changes constantly, but Jesus Christ remains “the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6)    To remain faithful to the Lord is the greatest calling a human soul can receive. Even when the world misunderstands or opposes the Christian life, the disciple of Christ must continue onward with courage. Disciples need to trust that the Lord walks beside His people.

The Ascension is therefore not a farewell filled with sadness, but a proclamation of hope. Christ ascended so that humankind might one day follow Him into eternal glory. Jesus opened the gates of Heaven through His victory, and He continually intercedes before the Father for His Church on earth. 

As Christians continue the mission entrusted to them, they do so with confidence that Jesus accompanies them. The Saviour remains present through the Holy Spirit, through Christ's gospel, through the sacraments, and through the life of the Church. 

The faithful therefore press onward in hope, striving each day to remain loyal to Christ, until the day when He shall come again in glory.

Image source unknown. With thanks to the artist

JESUS, CLIMB INTO THE BOAT OF MY LIFE

 

Jesus climbed into the boat after helping Peter overcome his fear at the raging waters. In the same way, let us invite Jesus to climb into the boat of our lives. It is only with the Master at the helm, that we can overcome the storms of life, steer in the right direction when we cannot see in the rain-bursts, and head home to heaven without losing our way.

Jesus, Climb Into the Boat of My Life

Jesus, climb into the boat of my life today,
Guide me gently along Heaven's way;
The waters are restless, thunders loudly roar,
Yet with You beside me, I now fear no more.

When dark clouds gather to hide sky above,
Shine through the tempest with Your endless Love;
When rains blind my vision and I cannot see,
Stretch out Your Hands, Lord, and encourage me.

When waves rise high and my courage grows small,
Remind me, dear Saviour, You govern them all;
No storm is too mighty, no burden too great,
For You are the Captain whom I gladly await.

When doubt fills my heart and I tremble with fear,
Speak softly, "My child, I am always near;"
Your Voice brings a calm no tempest destroys,
Turning my sorrow to heavenly joys.

Jesus, climb into the boat of my days,
Direct all my choices, guide all my ways;
When pathways are hidden, dangers abound,
Lead me by faith on secure, holy ground.

When life's long voyage at last reaches shore,
And I see heaven, my homeland evermore,
May I enter the portal with gladness and light,
For You were my Pilot through every dark night.

So stay in my boat, Lord, wherever I roam,
Safely conduct me to my heavenly home..
Through sunshine and storm, through calm sea and strife,
Jesus, climb into the boat of my life.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle, "Stormy seas and Guiding Light"

HUMBLE RABBI, HEAVENLY KING

 

Humble Rabbi, Heavenly King

When final stars grow pale with light,
And Heaven parts before our sight;
The Emperor of all the skies,
Shall through eternal splendour rise.

Upon His steed in majesty,
He rides through vast infinity;
The angel trumpets loud shall ring,
While all creation hails its King.

The apocalyptic horses flame,
The heavens thunder with His Name;
The earth shall tremble far and wide,
Before the Lamb once crucified.

Then all shall know the Lord Most High,
Whose wisdom none can e’er deny;
The God, Messiah, crowned above,
The endless King of truth and love.

Yet this great glory will not hide,
The humble path He walked beside;
For where the royal horse shall be,
A little donkey carried happily.

Perhaps in Heaven’s meadow fair,
Gentle donkey still wanders there;
The creature lowly, meek, and small,
Who bore the Lord and King of all.

Where now Christ reigns with crown and flame,
And sapphire light adorns His Name;
We once beheld with mortal eye,
A weary Rabbi passing by.

He walked the roads through dust and heat,
With aching brow and sandalled Feet;
He paused beside the weak and poor,
And entered through the humble door.

He broke the bread with kindly Hands,
And spoke of everlasting lands;
The King Whom countless hosts adore,
Once sat beside the sick and poor.

Where now the angels bend the knee,
Before His endless Majesty;
While myriad voices rise above,
Great oceans filled with holy love.

Once in a quiet village mild,
A Virgin rocked the Holy Child;
And softly through the candle glow.
She sang where sleeping lambs lay low.

The Promise spoken long ago,
The Hope whom all the prophets know;
Lay cradled small in manger stall,
The Lord and Maker of us all.

Where now no grief nor tears remain,
No death, no sorrow, fear, or pain;
We once had Christ beside our tears,
To calm our trembling hearts and fears.

He bent toward each burdened face,
With tenderness and healing grace;
He knew the wounds that mortals bear,
And carried all with patient care.

Though Heaven’s joy shall perfect be,
One thought shall still belong to me:
That once upon this earthly sod,
I walked by faith beside my God.

I had the honour, strange and deep,
My daily cross through love to keep;
To lift it up through joy and loss,
And kiss the wood of suffering’s cross.

To prove unto the King above,
The truth and steadfastness of love;
For not by word alone is shown.
The faith by which the saints are known.

So do not cast your days away,
Nor curse the burden of your day;
These fleeting hours are golden praise,
The sacred path of earthly days.

For Heaven’s glory shall not dim,
The humble road that leads to Him;
And endless ages shall not erase,
The beauty of His saving grace.

Spend all your days in thankful praise,
And walk with Christ through all your days;
For once, before the throne above,
We had the chance to suffer love.

Reflection:

When the last day is run, and the Emperor of the Universe rides His horse through the heavens, and the angels trumpet, and the apocalyptic horses ride the skies, we will know the Majesty of the All-Knowing, the God, the Messiah.

Yet, this will never be taken away from us. Where now there is a majestic horse, once there was a humble donkey. Probably grazing somewhere on a heavenly pasture as we speak.

Where in the heavenly now there is a King glorious with crown and scepter and sapphire and honour, we had the honour to walk with a humble Rabbi Who sweated, and got tired, and sat and broke bread with us.

Where now there are angels bowing to the glory, and the light swirling around, and ten thousand ten thousand voices singling praise, once we had the joy of listening to a quiet Virgin from Nazareth sing a lullaby to the newly-born One, the culmination of the glorious Promise to our peoples.

Where now there is no sickness, death, sorrows nor tears; once we had the solace of Jesus bending to our sorrowful faces, and comforting us in our difficulties.

Though all will be perfect in Heaven, I have the great joy of knowing; once, I had the inestimable honour to prove to the Lord of Lords that I truly loved Him, by taking up my daily cross, kissing it, and following Him.

Don't wish away your days. Spend them in endless praise.

Inspired by Matthew 14:4 and Mark 13:26

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Humble Rabbi, Heavenly King"

TABERNACLE LAMPS WITHIN THE HEART

 

Tabernacle lamps within the heart

Long years the blind man walked without sight,

Without the dawn, without the light;

He knew no colour, shape, nor flame,

And few would pause to ask his name.

Beside the road in grief he stayed,

While seasons passed and sunlight played;

Yet through the dark his heart still cried,

For mercy none on earth supplied.

Then Jesus came with healing plan,

He looked with pity on the man;

He spat upon the dusty ground,

Holy healing there was found.

The clay He placed on sightless eyes,

Beneath wide Judean skies;

“Go wash,” the blessed Saviour said,

Hopeful thought filled the blind man's head.

He washed within the waters clear,

Suddenly the world drew near;

The light burst forth in radiant streams,

Like morning shining through his dreams.

The first dear sight his eyes did see,

Was Christ in gentle majesty;

O what a Face of Love Divine,

What blessed Saviour, Lord, is mine!

So let us ask Christ every day,

To wash our inner dark away;

To heal the blindness of our soul,

That keeps our hearts from being whole.

When others hurt and silent weep,

Too often we pass by as if asleep.

Lord, give us eyes that see,

The pain of lost humanity.

Bring holy light into our mind,

Where fear and hidden shadows bind;

Shine through chambers of our heart,

Bid the blight of sin depart.

Then when at last to Heaven we rise,

With opened souls and opened eyes;

May holy lamps within us burn,

As our heart to Christ we turn.

Like the man once blind from birth,

Who saw God’s Light upon this earth;

May Heaven’s tabernacle flame,

Shine bright in souls who love Christ's Name.

JESUS HEALS THE BLIND MAN - JOHN CHAPTER 9

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/GfDHFuopeyI

With thanks to Youtube

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Offering of light to the Divine"

TERTULLIAN - FORGER OF NEW RIVERS

 

Tertullian: Forger of New Rivers

In Carthage by the restless sea,
There rose a mind both bold and free;
A soul aflame with holy zeal,
For words that would God's Truth reveal.

Tertullian took early church faith in hand,
He shaped new words to help it stand;
Like smith who strikes the heated steel,
He forged much thought the Church would seal.

He searched the mystery of the Three,
The hidden depths of Deity;
And gave a name still shining bright:
Trinity of living Light.

Through Latin tongue the faith took flame,
Countless souls would bless his name;
For where before few paths were known,
He carved new roads through thought alone.

Yet not all rivers safely run,
Beneath the brightness of the sun;
Some writings strayed in thought afar,
Like ships that wander from guiding star.

Though words from his pen helped truth be taught,
There were some where error mingled thought;
For such the risk that's borne by those,
Who seek where deeper wisdom flows.

Yet Tertullian was in quest unbowed -
Unbent by fear, courage uncowed;
Undaunted by failures of theological thought,
He started anew as Christ he sought.

He sailed uncharted seas of mind,
Leaving safer shores behind;
Not seeking glory, wealth, or fame,
But truth within Christ Jesus’ Name.

He trusted God, the Lord of All,
To sift what stood and what would fall;
So that mistaken chaff failed to take root,
While wheat of truth grew crop from shoot. 

Truly still his words remain,
As distant bells across the plain;
For centuries have heard the sound,
Of thoughts first broken from his ground.

Tertullian sought Christ's holy Truth,
He taught in church's early youth.
Now Heaven may look down ages vast,
Upon Tertullian's labour still holding fast.

We would know far less today,
Had Tertullian not helped to clear the way;
Had he not crossed untrodden streams,
In search of God beyond men’s dreams.

Let us learn from souls like this:
Not every path is walked in bliss;
Yet holy courage still must strive,
To keep the living faith alive.

Minds that fear to seek anew,
May never learn what yet is true;
Tertullian, unfearful of men’s blame
Served his life in Christ’s dear Name.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Heavenly encounter of Holy Tertullian with Christ" 

THE JEWELLER OF SOULS - SONG

 

The Jeweller of Souls

(to the tune of public domain hymn, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by Robert Robinson)

(Sing with prayerful, soulful tone)

Verse 1;

When God looked down on His nation,
Dwelling in the desert sand.
He chose craftsmen for His station,
Gifted by His Holy Hand.
Bezalel wrought gold with splendour,
Aholiab did labour too;
For the Lord, they shaped great beauty,
Faithful in the work they knew.

Verse 2;

Filigree and shining treasure,
Precious stones in radiant flame.
Hammered out with skill and measure,
Fashioned for God’s holy Name.
Topaz glowed with wisdom’s brightness,
Amethyst with royal grace.
Pearls proclaimed the soul’s steadfastness,
Rubies burned through sacrifice.

Verse 3;

(Modulate to one key higher for the next verse)

Sapphires shone with loyal spirit,
Constant through the darkest days.
Every jewel seemed to mirror,
Hearts refined through holy ways.
For the Lord still calls His people,
To a temple, not of stone;
But within the soul’s deep chamber,
God would fashion as His own.

Verse 4;

We ourselves must be the dwelling,
Where the lamps of grace are bright;
Where the incense of our praying,
Rises upward day and night.
Let our virtues shine like jewels,
Set within the inward shrine;
Let our thoughts and deeds be holy,
Consecrated to Divine.

Verse 5;

When the griefs of life surround us,
Sorrows, losses, pain, and tears;
These are tools the Master uses,
Through the polishing of years.
All our pride and roughness yielding,
Slowly shaped by Heaven’s art,
Till at last the Lord beholds there,
A pure jewel in the heart.

Verse 6;

As the ancient craftsmen laboured,
For the Holy One above;
Let us labour in His Service,
Fashioned daily by His Love.
Then, when we shall stand before Him,
At the ending of our days;
He shall find His Image shining,
Through our lives of prayer and praise.

Verse 7;

(Modulate to one key higher for the next verse)

Not in gold that may fade slowly,
Not in earthly gems that dim;
But in souls made bright and holy,
With beauty meant for Him.
May we find the Divine Jeweller,
Who works through all our days;
To make us pure and holy,
Fit to offer heaven'ly praise.

Verse 8;

(First four lines of the tune)

(Rallentando)

Not in gold that may fade slowly,
Not in earthly gems that dim;
But in souls made bright and holy,
With beauty meant for Him.

Inspired by Exodus chapter 24, 25, 35 and 39

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "God, the Jeweller of our souls"