peace

Openings … Be Still

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Noise, questions, tasks, to-dos, calendars, phone, requests …

All bleat in perfect disharmony this morning again,

wanting to carry me off to some other place,

away from you. Far away.

For each thought extinguished, twenty more appear,

When I don’t think them, someone comes up with another,

an interruption machine works perfectly,

making distraction, and separation my state.

Oh, Lord, snuff them out. One by one.

Let my mind rest in you, and you alone.

“Jesus, I love you” is my only refrain,

Till the noise subsides and silence clears this worldly mist.

So we may sit alone in Peace. Together.

“I shall not be disturbed.” Psalm 62

Openings … Disappointment, The Hurtful Sword

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Intense disappointment is a hurtful sword,

It stabs and bleeds and bleeds and stabs,

till you remove the blade and start

healing with love and recompense.

Love is the only cure, which returns the Peace you had.

 

“let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad.”

Psalm 97

Openings … Violette Szabo

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

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The following poem is a code-breaking poem from the life of Violette Szabo. She used it transmit messages when undercover in France during WW2. She was an agent for Allied forces in WW2 who after being caught, tortured and sexually assaulted, was executed at Ravensbruk Concentration Camp.

The life that I have

Is all that I have

And the life that I have

Is yours.

 

The love that I have

Of the life that I have

Is yours and yours and yours.

 

A sleep I shall have

A rest I shall have

Yet death will be but a pause.

 

For the peace of my years

In the long green grass

Will be yours and yours and yours.

 

Written by Leo Marks

 

 

“The Father will honor whoever serves me”

Gospel of John