THE POTTER'S LOVING HANDS

 

The Potter's Loving Hands

"Yet You, LORD, are our Father.
We are the clay, You are the Potter;
We are all the work of Your Hand."
- Isaiah 64:8

In morning's light so soft and fair,
God gently shapes us with His care;
Through golden dawn and skies so blue,
He forms our hearts to love what's true.

When evening falls in sacred peace,
His patient labour does not cease.
Within the silence of the night,
He moulds our souls by heaven's light.

The Potter's Hands are firm yet kind;
He knows each heart, each soul, each mind.
He sees the beauty yet to be,
The saint His loving Eyes can see.

At times He presses, smooths, and bends;
Each trial His holy purpose sends.
Though we may fear the changing way,
His Hands will never cast away.

The clay cannot the Potter guide,
Nor tell His Wisdom to abide;
It simply yields with trusting grace,
Secure within His warm embrace.

Each crack He heals with mercy's art;
He writes His gospel on the heart.
Each wound becomes a place to shine,
Transformed by Love and Grace Divine.

So let us trust His perfect Will,
Though life be loud or dark and still;
For every touch, both strong and mild,
Is shaping God's beloved child.

One day His masterpiece we'll see,
Refined for all eternity;
His image shining bright and whole,
The saintly beauty of the soul.

So, Lord, take all that I can be;
Shape every thought and part of me;
Break pride and selfishness away,
And teach my heart to trust each day.

Prayer;

"Dear Lord, make me holy according to Thy Will.
Mould me, shape me, and never cease Your work within me.
May I remain the clay in the Hands of the Divine Potter,
Until my soul reflects the beauty of Christ. Amen."

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle

THE GREATEST MIRACLE

 

The Greatest Miracle

"Miracles are not contrary to nature, but only contrary to what we know about nature."
- Poem inspired by the words of St Augustine

The dawn unfolds with crimson light,
As stars surrender to the night;
Each flower wakes beneath the sun -
A whispered work of God well done.

The robin's song, the ocean's tide,
The mountain standing far and wide;
The tiny seed that breaks the sod -
All speak the silent Voice of God.

The babe that smiles in mother's care,
The breath of life, the answered prayer;
The healing touch, the heart made new -
These are the wonders God can do.

No miracle denies His plan,
Nor breaks the laws He gave to man;
They simply lift the veil a while,
To show His Wisdom's hidden smile.

When storms arise and hope grows dim,
We place our weary trust in Him;
For every cross we bear today,
God walks beside us on the way.

The blind may see, the lame may stand,
The weak grow strong by God's own Hand;
Yet greater still than these we find,
The grace that heals the human mind.

A heart once hard now learns to care,
A soul returns through humble prayer;
Forgiveness blooms where hate had trod -
The sweetest miracle of God.

Each day He fills our cup anew
With mercies bright as morning dew;
In joy and sorrow, loss and gain,
God's faithful love shall still remain.

Yet all these wonders gently say,
They point beyond this earthly day;
For life on earth, though rich and fair,
Prepares us for a home more rare.

The greatest miracle by far,
Outshines the brightest morning star:
That those who walk the path of grace,
Shall one day see God's holy Face.

No tear shall fall, no night remain,
No wound shall know its sting again;
The saints shall sing with one accord,
Within the kingdom of the Lord.

There every joy shall overflow,
More than our earthly hearts can ever know;
Love's endless song shall fill the sky,
Where death itself has learned to die.

No sun shall light that blessed shore,
For Christ shall shine for evermore;
The Lamb shall be our light above,
The living flame of endless love.

So let us journey day by day,
With faithful hearts upon the way;
For every miracle we see,
Is but a glimpse of what shall be.

When all our earthly years have flown,
And God shall call us to His throne
The greatest wonder will unfold -
A home more precious far than gold.

Then in His glorious Light we'll stand,
Forever safe within His Hand;
To praise the Father, Spirit, Son -
Our everlasting life begun.

For every miracle below,
Is but a seed God bids us sow;
Its fullest bloom we then shall see
In Heaven through eternity.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "Throne of God"

THE BLOW UPON HIS HOLY FACE

 

The Blow Upon His Holy Face

Before the court our Saviour stood,
The Lord of mercy, truth and good.
No angry answer did He give,
But showed us how God's saints should live.

An officer with cruel hand,
Struck Christ, Who at the trial did stand.
With quiet strength Jesus stood there,
Endured the shame with patient care

The Saviour spoke with quiet grace,
No trace of vengeance marked His Face:
"If I have spoken words untrue,
Then show the wrong that I did do.

"But if the truth My Lips have said,
Why strike My Face?" the Saviour pled.
Yet still He bore the shame and pain,
To cleanse our hearts from sin's dark stain.

How often little wounds we bear,
Of harsh rebuke or pain unfair.
Misjudged by those who cannot see,
Or burdened by adversity.

A thoughtless word, a cold disdain,
A hidden grief, a quiet pain;
These lesser crosses come our way,
To meet us in life's passing day.

Then let us bear them patiently,
With humble hearts and charity.
For every trial, great and small,
Can draw us nearer Christ, our All.

United to our suffering King,
Our tears become an offering;
For He who wore the crown of thorn,
Will raise our hearts to Heaven's morn.

O Lord, when trials fill our days,
Teach us to walk in all Your ways;
To bear each cross with faith and love,
Until we dwell with You above.

Image by CN Whittle

CANAANITE WOMAN OF FAITH

 

Canaanite woman of faith

A Canaanite came from afar,
Led onward by faith's guiding star;
She sought the Lord with earnest plea,
"Have mercy, Lord, O pity me!

"Great Son of David, hear my cry!
Do not, dear Lord, just pass me by;
My daughter suffers day and night,
Oppressed by evil's fearful might."

At first the Saviour answered not,
Yet still she trusted, faltered not!
She knelt before His gracious Face,
And sought His loving help and grace.

"My Lord," she said, "I know Your power;
Please help my child this very hour."
The Saviour drew her faith to light,
Till all could see its wondrous might.

"It is not right," the Master said,
"To take the children's daily bread,
And cast it to the dogs instead,"
Yet still in faith she bowed her head.

"Yes, Lord," she answered, meek and wise,
"Yet little dogs beneath arise;
To gather crumbs that gently fall,
From tables rich enough for all."

Then Jesus smiled with joy untold;
Her steadfast faith was strong as gold.
"O woman, great your faith has proved!
Your humble trust has deeply moved."

That very hour her child was free;
Christ triumphed o'er the enemy.
The Saviour's mighty word brought peace,
Thus all her daughter's pain did cease.

So when our trials seem too great,
Let faith, not fear, direct our fate.
For those who seek the Lord above
Will find His mercy, power and love.

Image by CN Whittle

THE WISE MEN AND THE KING

 

                                                                             Freepik

The Wise Men and the King

From eastern lands the wise men came,
To seek the Child of holy fame;
A shining star through darkest night,
Led onward by its brilliant light.

Across the hills, through desert sand,
They journeyed to the promised Land;
With faithful hearts they sought God's Son,
The long-promised and Anointed One.

They found the Child with Mary there,
In quiet peace and humble care.
They bowed before His sacred Face,
Their hearts made glad by boundless grace.

Gold and resins they gifted there,
Precious gifts offered with loving care;
No earthly throne their eyes did meet,
Yet still they worshipped at Christ's Feet.

The little Jesus raised His eyes,
With love that reached beyond the skies;
He looked on each with tender grace,
A smile of mercy lit His face.

Though but a Child, He knew each heart,
And loved them from the very start.
The Light that shone from His great grace,
Shone brightly in that humble place.

So may we too seek our holy King,
And grateful hearts before Him bring.
May we be faithful to God's Son,
Who victory over death has won.

THE TRUE VINE

The True Vine

O Jesus, Lord, the Living Vine,
Whose grace and love through branches shine;
Apart from You our strength must cease,
Our hearts know neither joy nor peace.

No branch can bloom by will alone,
Nor bear the fruit that heaven has known;
Your living sap, so rich and free,
Flows through the soul that trusts in Thee.

By faith we're grafted to Your Side,
In You we live, in You abide;
Your Spirit fills each willing heart,
And gives us grace to do our part.

Then clusters fair begin to grow,
As heaven's living blessings flow;
Like ripened grapes on autumn's vine,
They speak of love and life Divine.

Their sweetness feeds the faint with cheer,
Brings hope to hearts weighed down by fear;
They strengthen all who taste Your grace,
And draw the lost to seek Your Face.

So prune us, Lord, with loving hand,
To flourish by Your wise command;
Though pruning brings a passing pain,
It yields a richer, sweeter gain.

Until that glorious final day,
When earth and shadow fade away;
We'll hear the words our hearts have sought:
"My friends, well done - you lacked for naught."

No richer gift could we receive,
No greater joy could hearts conceive -
Than Christ to call us, face to Face,
His friends for all eternal days.

Images by CN Whittle 

ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST

 

St John the Evangelist

St. John, whose eagle soars on high,
With piercing gaze toward heaven's sky;
Beheld the Word, eternal, bright,
And led our hearts into God's light.

John journeyed close beside the Lord,
And treasured every sacred word.
John leaned upon the Saviour's breast,
There his seeking soul found rest.

John's gospel tells of grace Divine,
Where love and truth forever shine;
From Bethlehem to Calvary's tree -
John shows the Son Who sets us free.

The eagle teaches us to love,
Sacred truths from God above; 
To rise beyond earth's fleeting care,
And find God's loving Presence there.

John's words, though written long ago,
Still make faith's living river flow;
They kindle hope in every age,
As light that fills each sacred page.

O John, evangelist, pray that we
May know our Christ more perfectly;
Grant us the eagle's eyes to see,
The splendour of God's mystery.

The eagle is the symbol of Saint John the Evangelist, whose gospel emphasizes the Divinity of Christ. Flying higher than any other bird, the eagle is the emblem of John's keen insight into mystical doctrine.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle

CHRIST PANTOCRATOR - RULER OF ALL

 

Christ Pantocrator - Ruler of All

Christ Pantocrator, Lord Divine,
Whose endless love through ages shine;
You hold the stars within Your Hand,
And walk with us through every land.

Your mighty Word the heavens made,
The light, the sea, the silent glade;
Through the gifts the earth has grown,
Your boundless mercy is made known.

From golden grain comes living bread,
By loving hands so gently fed;
From ripened grapes comes joyful wine,
A humble gift with grace Divine.

These earthly signs, so plain, so small,
Reveal the Lord who governs all -
Your holy power transforms our days,
And fills our hearts with songs of praise.

You heal the broken, calm our fears,
And dry the sorrow of our tears.
You cleanse our hearts with love Divine,
And nourish us with bread and wine.

The Bread of Life, the Cup of Grace,
Reveal Your love in every place;
The God who reigns in heaven above
Comes down to us with endless love.

From clustered grapes the rich wine flows,
A sacred gift God's mercy shows.
Through humble fruit God's grace we see, 
As sign of holy mystery.

Through humble gifts Your life we share,
Your sacred Presence everywhere;
The Lord of Glory, strong and mild,
Receives each soul as His own child.

O Christ, Almighty Lord of all,
You answer every faith-filled call.
Lead us by faith until we see,
Your Face throughout eternity.

With thankful hearts we now proclaim,
All glory to Your holy Name!
Through Your gifts we are made new,
All praise, O Lord, belongs to You.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle

TREE OF LIFE

Image courtesy of ChatGPT and CN Whittle

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

What Might Have Been

A wealthy young man knelt one day,
Before the Lord to seek the Way;
Christ looked with love into his face,
And called him to a life of grace.

"Go, sell your treasures, follow Me;
Come walk the road that makes you free."
Yet bound by all his riches dear,
He turned away with heart sincere.

He left with sadness in his eyes,
Still captive to earth's gilded prize.
His purse was full, his barns were wide,
Yet something precious in him died.

The Twelve knew hunger, dust, and rain;
Long roads and weariness and pain.
No certain bed, no purse of gold,
Yet hearts on fire, courageous, bold.

They crossed the seas and climbed the hills,
To do their Master's holy Will.
Though earthly comforts they had none,
Their souls rejoiced in God's own Son.

They heard His laughter on the way,
They learned from Him from day to day.
They watched His mercy freely flow,
And felt His endless love bestow.

They shared the labour and the strife,
Yet found the deepest, richest life.
For every burden they embraced,
Was brightened by the Master's grace.

The years rolled by with silent tread;
The young man, now grown old instead;
Looked round upon his treasured store,
Yet found it satisfied no more.

His silver gleamed, his vineyards spread,
His tables groaned with daily bread.
But through the silence came again
The Voice that once had called his name.

He wondered, with a longing sigh,
"What joy have I let pass me by?
What roads with Christ I might have trod,
To build the Kingdom of my God."

"What friends in faith I never knew,
What wonders I declined to view;
What souls I never helped to see,
The love that first was shown to me."

His wealth remained; his years had fled;
His heart recalled the words once said.
Too late he saw what love had shown:
No treasure shines like Christ alone.

So let us heed the Master's call,
And freely yield to Him our all.
Though hardship marks the pilgrim's way,
His faithful Presence lights each day.

The cross is heavy; still we sing,
For Christ is with us, Lord and King.
No sacrifice for Him is vain;
Eternal joy is greater gain.

Let none look back with sorrow's tear,
And wish they had drawn Christ more near.
Walk with Him while yet you may,
Nor grieve for chances cast away.

For those who answer to His call,
Find Christ the richest Gift of all.
The Master's friendship, pure and true,
Is worth far more than all we knew.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle

GOLDEN BEAUTY OF MARY'S SOUL

 

Golden Beauty of Mary's Soul

When Mary's earthly race was run,

She journeyed to her glorious Son.

The gates of heaven opened wide,

To welcome Christ's dear Mother inside.

No stain of sin her soul could claim,

She lived for God's most holy Name.

Her heart was pure, her soul did shine,

As living temple for Divine.

Her golden soul with splendour glowed,

Reflecting every grace God had bestowed;

More radiant than the morning's light,

She glowed with heaven's beauty bright.

The angels sang with joyful voice,

The saints in glory did rejoice;

Their Queen had come with humble praise,

To share God's everlasting days.

Her head, often bowed so deep in prayer,

Was crowned with glory beyond compare.

Her faithful "Yes," so meek and free,

Now blossomed into victory.

Assumed to heaven, body and soul,

God crowned the one He had made whole.

The Queen of Heaven, crowned above,

Now reigns within God's endless Love.

Yet Mary's heart has not grown far;

She watches where her children are.

She gently leads us day by day,

To follow Christ, the Truth, the Way.

She teaches us that holiness

Is found through love and faithfulness.

A humble heart, obedient still,

Delights to do the Father's Will.

O Mary, Mother, gracious Queen,

The fairest soul the world has seen;

Pray we may walk the narrow way,

And join your song one glorious day.

Then with the angels we shall raise

Our grateful hearts in endless praise.

Where Christ our King is all in all,

And love forever conquers all.

Image by CN Whittle

NO ROOM, YET ROOM FOR GRACE

 

No Room, Yet Room for Grace  - (Journey to Bethlehem) 

At last they reached fair Bethlehem,
As evening's light grew faint and dim;
Their weary feet had travelled far,
Still guided by Heaven's faithful star.

They knocked upon each crowded door,
Yet heard the words, "We have no more."
No place to rest, no welcome there,
No room was found for Heaven's Heir.

What seemed rejection, cold and deep,
Became the place where love would keep.
For God can turn our darkest night
Into dawn of holy light.

A humble stable, rough and small,
Became the greatest home of all.
No royal hall, no throne of gold,
Could match the wonders there untold.

Upon the straw the Christ Child lay,
The Light of Worlds, the Truth, the Way.
The King of kings in weakness came,
Yet every heart He sought to claim.

The cattle watched, the angels sang,
With joyful praise the heavens rang.
The shepherds knelt in awe-filled grace,
Beholding God in Mary's embrace.

The poorest place was heaven's Choice,
That all the world might hear His Voice.
Where human eyes saw loss and shame,
God's endless Love forever came.

He turned rejection into grace,
And made the stable a holy place.
He clothed our poverty with His Love,
And drew our earth to Heaven above.

He changed our weakness into might,
Our deepest darkness into light.
From humble birth to Calvary's tree,
He won our hope eternally.

So when life's doors seem firmly barred,
And every road appears too hard,
Remember Bethlehem's sacred story;
God turns our poverty into glory.

For Christ still enters hearts today
That humbly welcome Him to stay;
And every soul that makes Him room
Will find new life beyond the tomb.

Image by CN Whittle

QUEEN OF SHEBA

Pilgrim Heart of the Queen of Sheba

The Queen of Sheba heard the call,
A whispered truth beyond them all;
Her pilgrim heart could not remain,
Content with wealth or worldly gain.

She crossed the sands beneath the sky,
With searching soul and questing eye;
Each weary step, each desert mile,
Was lit by hope for all the while.

She sought not jewels, thrones, or gold,
Nor stories that were often told;
She longed to hear God's wisdom's voice,
The treasure of the truest choice.

Before King Solomon she stood,
And found his counsel wise and good.
Her heart rejoiced, her spirit sang,
As heaven's truth within her rang.

Yet One far greater calls today,
The Christ who is the Living Way;
His Wisdom shines with endless light,
Dispelling darkness with His Might.

He calls each pilgrim, "Come to Me;
Walk in My truth and you are free.
Let every step be filled with grace,
Until you see My glorious Face."

Like Sheba's Queen, may we arise,
With faithful hearts and lifted eyes;
May nothing keep our souls apart
From Christ, the longing of our heart.

For every life must one day stand,
Before the Judge with pierced Hand.
How blessed those who learned His Voice,
Who made His holy Will their choice.

The pilgrim heart that seeks His Face,
Will find His Mercy and His Grace -
As on that great and final day,
All fear and darkness flee away.

So let us journey while we can,
According to God's loving plan.
Like Sheba's Queen, our hearts made new,
Forever faithful, Lord, to You.

Lead us, Jesus, day by day,
Upon Your everlasting way.
Until our pilgrimage is done,
And we rejoice before Your Throne.

Image by CN Whittle

RAISE THE SAILS

 

Raise the Sails

God sends the wind with gentle grace,
To every heart, to every place.
His Spirit whispers, soft yet strong,
Inviting souls to journey on.

The breeze of mercy fills the air,
A gift of love beyond compare;
Yet silent lies the waiting mast,
Until our willing hands act fast.

For grace is not a force imposed,
Nor is free will by heaven closed;
God calls us freely, day by day,
To choose His everlasting way.

Each prayer becomes a lifted sail,
Each act of love a steady gale;
Each sacrifice, e'en small in span,
Moves us toward God's holy plan.

When burdens press and trials rise,
Look not alone to earthly skies;
The Wind of God is ever near,
To strengthen faith and quiet fear.

So lift your sails with hope anew,
Let Christ's own Spirit carry you;
For those who trust amid all strife,
Find the grace that brings new life.

God gives the wind with boundless love;
The Spirit's strength flows from above;
Let us choose to answer Divine Call,
And raise our sails, to give God our all.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT and CN Whittle "Divine Guidance on a peaceful sea"

Poem inspired by St Augustine of Hippo's words, "God provides the wind, but man must raise the sails"

THE WORLD'S BEST TIMES BEGIN WITH ME

 

The world's best times begin with me

Saint Augustine watched kingdoms fall,
As he heard God's constant call;
Though troubled days surrounded him,
He kept the light when times were dim.

He saw that nations rise and stand
By choices made throughout the land;
For what we cherish, what we do,
Returns to shape our world anew.

What's done in darkness, out of sight,
May soon walk in the broad daylight;
The things we tolerate today,
May guide tomorrow's chosen way.

Children watch us and we're heard,
They learn from actions more than word;
Not merely by what we say,
But by the lives we live each day.

We may see roads worn rough and bare,
May find injustice here and there;
We may know hardship, want, and strife,
And many burdens in this life.

Yet Augustine would still proclaim,
That virtue is the greater gain;
For wealth and comfort fade away,
But character is built to stay.

When Christ is Master of our home,
We never truly walk alone;
When dawn awakes the earth anew,
His Grace shines bright for all we do.

When we decline to cheat or lie,
And faithfulness becomes our cry;
When honest labour fills our hands,
God's Goodness through our living stands.

Integrity, a lighthouse bright,
Guides us through darkness with its light;
Though wealth may not be our measure,
We possess far greater treasure.

Let pure words cross our lips each day,
Let noble thoughts guide all our way;
Let worthy deeds our pathway mark,
Like shining candles in the dark.

Streams of holiness that from household flows,
Will water every field it knows;
If that stream is clean and clear,
Blessings will spread both far and near.

For goodness overcomes decay,
Truth outlasts each passing day;
Love conquers hatred, fear, and pride,
With Christ forever at our side.

Like beacons shining from a hill,
Holy hearts can brighten still;
Bringing hope where sorrows start,
And peace to every weary heart.

The times are good when we are good,
And live as every Christian should;
The times grow great when faith grows strong,
When kindness fills our daily song.

Times become most blessed indeed,
When Christ shines through each word and deed;
So let us pray and strive each day,
To walk with Him along the way.

Then, come what may beneath the sun,
The victory through our Christ is won;
For in His light we clearly see:
The world's best times begin with me.

The poem is a reflection on St Augustine's quote from Sermon 80:8;

"Bad times, hard times - this is what people keep saying; but let us live well, and times shall be good. We are the times; such as we are, such are the times." 

These words are strong and true. So as to be true to the wisdom of St Augustine, let our words be pure; our thoughts noble, and our actions honourable. Then the times will indeed be good, regardless of the troubles that surround us. The wholesome spiritual water flowing from our families and communities will nourish the wider society. Goodness eventually overcomes what is degraded and corrupt. Truth outlasts falsehood. Love conquers hatred. Above all, Christ gives a peace that no circumstances can take away.

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle "St Augustine blessing flowing water"

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"