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"