Wednesday Wonder

I recently shared devotional time with the residents of Lenoir and instead of offering a conventional message, I choose to create a three-part cycle of readings and poems, all rooted in John 14:23-27. The poems come from the Christian mystical tradition from some of the spiritual mothers of the faith, one modern and two ancient. Each portion is daily bread; meant to be chewed, tasted, swallowed and digested slowly, absorbed into our famished souls.

John 14:23-27

Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me.

Mary Oliver:

Love for the earth and love for you

are having such a long conversation in my heart.

Who knows what will finally happen

or where I will be sent,

yet already I have given a great many things away,

expecting to be told to pack nothing,

except the prayers which, with this thirst,

I am slowly learning.

***

I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you.

Hildegard of Bingen:

Holy Spirit,

giving life to all life,

moving all creatures,

root of all things,

washing them clean,

wiping out their mistakes,

healing their wounds,

You are our true life,

luminous, wonderful,

awakening the heart

from its ancient sleep.

***

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.

Julian of Norwich

For He is the Very Rest.

God wishes to be known,

and it pleases Him that

we rest in Him;

for all that is beneath Him

will never satisfy us.

Therefore no soul is rested

‘til it is emptied of all things

that are made.

When, for love of Him,

it is empty,

the soul can

receive His deep rest.