Reflections on the Litany of the Sacred Heart 3

Heart of Jesus, wonderfully united to the eternal Word, have mercy on us ...


At His command the angels woke to sing
their hymns of praise, which mounted up
until the stars burst into flame.
Then down from heaven's throne He came.


The Word of God, eternal Son, goes forth
to do his Father's will on Earth.
His fingers mold the lifeless dust.
He breathes one breath, the rest is trust.


Trust while the years roll ever past,
trust until the Virgin says amen,
and then the Word descends again.

Reflections on the Litany of the Sacred Heart 2

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin mother, have mercy on us ...

Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
With her consent, the Spirit enters.
The Word descends, obedient to the Father.
The Spirit hovers, joining them.
In this sacred place it starts.
The eternal takes on humanity.
Suddenly there beat two hearts.

Reflections on the Litany of the Sacred Heart - 1

Heart of Jesus, son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us...


Eternal Father,
Eternal Son,
In perfect love,
forever one.

Eternal Father,
Eternal Son,
work together
'til all is done.


Eternal Father,
Eternal Son,
a life given,
a victory won.

The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin

Gentle mother, come and sit
upon this throne at my right hand.
Wear the crown I've made for you,
become the queen of every land.

Beloved son, I'll do your will,
but grant one favor, this I pray -
let me leave my throne that I
may guide my children on their way.

Gentle mother, wise and true,
I'll grant you this request
if you will help them be like you,
so gentle, pure and blessed.

The assumption of the Blessed Virgin

Upward from the Earth she came
and awestruck angels whispered her name.
Welcome, Mary, heaven's queen.

Rejoicing souls who'd waited long
to enter heaven joined in the song.
Welcome, Mary, heaven's queen.

Adam and Eve with eyes downcast
greeted the virgin unsurpassed.
Welcome, Mary, heaven's queen.

Prophets, kings and saints of old
rejoiced her victory to behold.
Welcome, Mary, heaven's queen.

While millions sang, she saw but one,
her gaze stayed on her own dear son.
Welcome, Mary, heaven's queen.

The descent of the Holy Spirit

I've watched a baby's eyes widen
when you come at baptism
to cleanse.

I've watched a grown man weep
when you come in baptism
to fill.

They say you came the first time
in the roar of wind and fire
at Pentecost.

To me, you came in the touch
of a gentle hand and sweet oil
to anoint.

The Ascension

Don't leave us - our heart cry -
stay today, tomorrow,
forever for we can't see
what lies beyond the sky.

You bless us and you go,
rising into the clouds -
vanished - we're left alone,
your children lost below.

No, you promised to be
with your people always.
I received you today -
my lord - on bended knee.

The resurrection

Out of the darkness comes
A glimmering hint of dawn.
The watchmen at the tomb
see it and take hope.

This long night will finally end.

Whose heart doesn't lift
at the coming of the light?
Yet the greatest dawn of all
was hidden in a tomb.

This long night will finally end.

Did the angels watch hushed?
Did the souls in limbo weep
with joy to see his victory?
He rises and life no longer dies.

This long night will finally end.

The Crucifixion

He hangs alone
stripped of all he had,
naked and vulnerable.
I am an offering.

A crown of thorns,
a body pierced and torn,
still he thirsts for souls.
I am an offering.

Avenging angels wait
for his command.
Instead he speaks forgiveness.
I am an offering.

Death, forever hungry,
leaps at the prize
and eternal life begins.
I am an offering.

The carrying of the cross

Kings, queens and fishermen,
each one carries a cross,
and staggers on a weary road
of battles won or lost.

And when we climb the hill
and gaze into the night,
the mourners don their robes
and cowards shake in fright.

Lord, wither can we go
to flee our certain fate?
Your cross a refuge sure
for those who pray and wait.

The crowning with thorns

A king's crown should be made
of flashing gems, of purest gold,
bright as angel's wings,
stupendous to behold.

They wove his crown of thorns,
prickly as the human heart,
the rose turned hard and cold,
creation ripped apart.

The garden we destroyed,
the mockery borne in our stead,
the torture of our fall,
came down upon his head.

The scourging at the pillar

The soldier grunts
and swings the lash
with the cruel strength
of those who hate.

Why have you, why have you deserved this fate?

His comrades jeer
and mock and count
each cutting blow
with vicious glee.

What have I, what have I done to thee?

His blood splatters
upon the ground,
the soldier's face,
the ancient stones.

Is this how, is this how the lamb atones?

The agony in the garden

A tranquil garden,
the wind fragrant with flowers,
the vines groaning with fruit,
bird-song mingling with the laughter
of a man, a woman and a snake.

A rocky garden,
the wind heavy with a city's stink,
the vines shriveled and dry.
A man kneels beneath a gnarled tree,
whispering a prayer.

Death came despite the beauty.
Life came from His agony.

The Institution of the Eucharist

Families
joined by body
joined by blood
sit together at table.

At this table
His body joins us,
His blood unites us
together at His table.

The Transfiguration

What is hidden shall be revealed, says the Lord.

He kneels in prayer.
Light breaks over his skin,
shattering the darkness,
a new dawn blazing
on the mountaintop,
humanity engulfed
in a cloud of glory.
His eyes are shining stars,
The anointing of God
glistens in his hair.
Healing pulses flame-bright
between his hands,
His face a blinding sun,
transfigured.


When we see Him, we shall be like Him,
says the Lord.

The proclamation of the kingdom

Listen, all peoples, and be glad
in the dark depths of the night.
You begged for an audience with God.
The Father sends you his delight.

He walks among you to touch.
He walks among you to teach.
He walks among you to heal.
Listen to the Word that's preached.

Sit on the hills to hear Him.
Sit by the seaside to pray.
Stand in the crowds to touch Him.
Stay with him, O never stray.

The marriage feast at Cana

All around her people --
laughing
dancing
eating
drinking,
lost in their own pleasures.

She alone looks to see
the wine
vessels
nearly
empty
and goes to her son.

"Do as He tells you."
Simple
words
to draw
his grace.
Water turns to wine.

The baptism in the Jordan

Down into the water
we go, one by one
following our Lord,
who went before us
as our example.

Water engulfing us,
water drowning us,
until we die
and rise anew
as He rose before us.

The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

Lost, the joy of my heart,
The world now looms so large
I need you at my side.
How can I live apart?

The Lord is in His holy Temple, 
let all the Earth keep silence before him.


I run from place to place,
I search the tents and roads,
I seek only one thing,
a glimpse of your dear face.

The Lord is in His holy Temple, 

let all the Earth keep silence before him.

The city holds no peace,

Jerusalem -- a lie--

as day gives way to night,

my search will never cease.

The Lord is in His holy Temple, 

let all the Earth keep silence before him.

Until I lift my gaze

unto the Temple height

where you are, teaching truth,

and where you are always.

The Lord is in His holy Temple, 

let all the Earth keep silence before him.

Keep silence, 

keep silence, 

keep silence before him.