encounters allowed

It’s really hard that living the Gospel and following Jesus means that we are willing to encounter the injustices in society and experience poverty. It’s not easy that being Easter people- living up to the resurrection- means that we allow ourselves to encounter the uncomfortable places in our lives and our world. Loving Jesus makes [...]

seven days of salvation

strangers grip palms, bond at bus stops grins by glory, pilgrims unite onward, hosannas and hellos true buzz on the street: whisper, plot, might centuries of destruction and war ring doom age the days of tension, hoping who can save us from our plight? bright spring moon, free, feasting friends wash feet; bread, wine multiply [...]

ash

this day in lines across earth penitents unite we shall     let’s somberly remember nothingness and say yes onward, into we shall     neighbors needing giving greatly fasting freely praying constantly we shall     know black filth smeared crosses barring repent, return Jesus beckons go        

advice at the start

Here is a poem drafted from advice given to me by experienced, wise Franciscans as I set out to start my ministry at this high school three years ago. I am so grateful that they warned me and gave me good blessings when it began … If you think you can do this without making [...]

advent waiting room

An eagerness for an improvement lives deep within the groans of our society, our culture, our selves.  We don’t feel as well as we would like.  We have a sense that something is wrong and someone might know the answer.  We wonder who to turn to. We suppose that God might show us a New [...]

into the thick

I need to be in the in-between where the dirt and grime dark, light fill cracks break backs and help one know the timeless truth “I AM with you.”

messy wonder

piles to file thicker than the bed of rest the to-do list, too long can’t know what to bless desk deep big mess anxiety eats at the sleep dreams, concerns for Christ’s kingdom make one weep distracted from NOW: so stop, breathe, be praise God run wild into wonder and ride renewal to joy.

Credo

Credo by Sister Sarah Hennessey i believe in a place (or time) where God’s love flows free i believe our reason on earth is to let God’s love flow like hot lava rushing through our crusts i believe in Christ as light and fire inside my ribcage i believe in creation’s perfect song already complete [...]

Santa Chiara praying

This is a poem I wrote and published here last year, on the feast of St. Clare: pregnant with poverty she stands up boldly holding Truth with “always” piercing her lips the pure Truth-Light shields and embraces her back covered with brown like earth she beckons community to the table breaking open Bread of union [...]

at 30

A triple feast day proclaims the goodness of God: a servant to the poor, Basil a chapel for Franciscans devoted to Mary, the mother of God and a combination of dreams and awe. I pause with amazement and praise. Abundance gathered in a year now proclaimed: infants in arms being a mother, Godmother I mean [...]