5/17/26 Through 5/23/26

 5/17/26 Through 5/23/26

Sunday

Oh Mary, help me ponder well

And then, with eloquence, to tell

Of what the Spirit shows to me

That others, too, might be set free

He came in humble way to Earth

In manger found of Virgin birth

He grew in quiet, lowly ways

Before beginning public days

His voice astonished all who heard,

Authority was in each word

Those ruling then could not compete

So, death they thought would Him defeat

But Cross and grave could not contain

The stone and guard were set in vain

He rose in glory then to show

The way disciples all must go

A narrow, steep, and rocky way

But one that leads to endless day

He gave us charge to spread the news

So, all the ways of love might choose

Ascended, we are not alone

For now, His Spirit, well is known

Though suffering will come our way

He gives the grace for come what may.

Monday

I want the tongue that speaks of Thee

With knowledge and authority

A tongue that rudders well the ship

To children teach, and saints equip.

The gift of Spirit given men

As hands were laid upon them when

They came believing what they heard

Of Christ who came as Living Word.

He offers peace in troubled times

When even Calvary He climbs

He bids us look beyond the grave

Forgive, and let His mercy save.

Don't fall for lies the devil tells

But wake and see how bad it smells.

When evil whispers all its rot

The stench of death is all it's got.

The Holy Spirit, freshness brings

A view of how in Heaven sings

The choir of saints and angels there

Who praise in ways beyond compare.

Help me to always see that side

Forsaking all my human pride

And trusting in the Cross alone

To lead me to my final home.

Tuesday

I wish to say I did my best

And answered every fond request

But I know well, I turned away

And often chose to go my way

Those times did not go well for me

For there, I saw how selfishly

The Devil molds our Earthly will

To truth and beauty maim or kill

The flesh will look for easy ways

Avoiding light and choosing grays

Where just a little light will do

To make it seem it's good for you

But time exposes evil well

With Light, I now can quickly tell

His lies are but the bait and hook

That always for the foolish look

So, if or when we fall from grace

God always has His special place

Where sin confessed will grace restore

And prove that grace will offer more.

Wednesday

Sing out, oh kingdoms of the Earth

Though here your form was given birth,

Your home lies far above this land

So, follow well True Love's command

Keep watch upon the flock you lead

For savage wolves have come to feed

They search for weakness there among

And will not spare the tender young

Rely upon His faithful word

And act upon instructions heard

The legacy He leaves behind

His Spirit, to the weak remind

Of all He said and all He did

The Father's love He never hid

But showed through suffering and pain

Eternal life, the steadfast gain.

Be not discouraged, but rejoice

And listen well to hear His voice

He calls to give more than receive

So always trust, and so believe.

Thursday

The One who formed the lowly clay

Astonishing, to man would say

"I pray that you be One in Me

As He in Me and I in He.

The Son took flesh to show us love

Then died and rose to God above

He showed us how to heal our pain,

Forgiving, we forgiveness gain

This word, so novel, fresh and new

Hard to believe, and yet it's true

That God would share Himself with man

The creature in Creator's plan

Keep up your courage, persevere

The Spirit's help is always near

So many turn away but hear

What may, when pondered, grow more clear.

The Father works in wiser ways

That penetrate the outer glaze

To prick the conscience deep within

And show the man his depth of sin.

Inviting him to turn to Love

To join the saints with Him above

Repenting of our every sin

Forgiveness and the Light to win

Friday

In threefold times was Christ denied

In bitter shame, he left and cried

The glowing embers told a tale

But nevermore would courage fail

A threefold pledge of love he gave

To Him who conquered o'er the grave

The Spirit's gift would nerve the arm

And give his words a holy charm

No more a coward, now a guide

Once humbled, now bereft of pride

Forgiven and restored by Love

To guide the Church to home above.

Saturday

His timeless voice is tailored so

It gives what each will need to grow

Forever old, forever new

He always has a word for you

"Come follow Me." His word to all

His daily, loving, constant call

For truth no time or age exceeds

And truth in every age, man needs

Your path and mine are different trails,

And each will come with its trevails.

But always in His word we find

The truth we need is there entwined.

Just follow on the path He leads

For in His will, our work succeeds

It may not seem that way sometimes

But good can come from even crimes.