2/23/20 Through 2/29/20

2/23/20 Through 2/29/20

Sunday

Outside we all have work to do

So far our ways, from loving You.

We fail to see within the man

What humble eyes of mercy can.

There dwells in every human soul 

The light of God that makes us whole.

However dim or far away,

His Spirit animates the clay.

So if we shun or cast aside

Because of selfishness or pride

The One rejected, we should know

Is One from whom all graces flow.

Monday

The fear of God is pure indeed

The first beginning of the seed

Of wisdom for the simple man

Who seeks to live within His plan.

We've tolerated long enough

These demons and their useless fluff.

It's time the evil was expelled

and all our sinful passions quelled.

To grasp the joy of suffering,

What peace a sacrifice can bring

And how humility can grow

The strength to deeper Christ to know.

But on the cusp of greatness lies

The demon in his veiled disguise

To puff the spirit, feed the pride

And draw the foolish one aside.

So if perhaps we go astray,

Or weaken in our time to pray,

The brotherhood must bring relief

And help us in our unbelief.

Though one be broken, two defend

Each called to truly be a friend.

With three or more the cord is strong,

And stout enough to conquer wrong.

Tuesday

Why am I so weak that I

Can do none on my own?

Decrepit, I must just rely

On strength from Him alone.

The brothers here I find so dear

To walk along my side.

Encouraging to daily bring,

As sacrifice, my pride.

These disciplines reveal my sins

So many just ignored,

But let me glean a soul that's clean

From graces You've outpoured.

Wednesday

What better time than now to say

I must repent and learn to pray

The ashes form a sign for You

That say, "I'm empty, please renew."

They're not a sign of pride somehow

That says, "I'm holier than thou."

But sign of sorrow that I've failed

And wish to have my sin unveiled.

Thursday

The cross be daily taken up,

The cross a painful bitter cup.

But yet the cross our path to Thee,

Who conquers all and sets us free.

This way of love defies the mind,

Brings comfort of a different kind.

A peace in lieu of restlessness

A joy of pure contentedness.

Within our suffering and pain

We find a way to now attain

A union with our blessed Lord

So many times left unexplored.

So cower not before the cross

Count earthly gain as none but loss.

Embrace this opportunity

To join with Christ in unity.

For there you'll find the daily strength

To let your love reach greater length,

And be transformed for all to see

It's Jesus Christ who dwells in thee.

Friday

Thoroughly wash me of my guilt

Destroy the ramparts I have built.

Create in me a docile heart

And graces to my soul impart.

The fasting I must learn to love

Is that which draws my mind above

The base desires of the flesh

To fill my heart, and soul refresh.

To break the fetters, captives free,

Clothe and shelter those in need.

To clear away the choking weeds,

And plant in me Your fruitful seeds.

Saturday
Follow up the fast and see
Just how bright the day can be.
Clouds will part and sun will shine,
Love and peace will there combine.

Ancient ruins be restored
Where God alone is one adored.
Broken homes made once again
A place of rest for holy men.

A barren land made lush and green
With bounty for the ones that glean.
The stream that never fails will flow,
And fruits of holy lives will grow.