J. L. Smyth

Follow Christ, the Light

These 40 days of Lent are an opportunity to grow closer to Christ and to become more like Him through prayers, alms, and sacrifice. It is through clinging to Him in obedience that we grow in virtues.

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Faith Round the Bend

A couple I met at the Catholic Church over twenty years ago had a profound effect on me, as they helped me heal through challenging trials and were one of God’s instruments whom He used to help me grow in faith and trust in Jesus. With the recent loss of the elderly gentleman, I grieve and lift up prayers of gratitude for the gift of friendship through Christ.

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Transcendence

After having recently lost a very dear, faith-filled, elderly Catholic friend of mine, I was inspired to write of our enduring friendship that had been almost half of my lifetime. Lessons I learned from him resonate as I grieve his loss.

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Many Different Faces: Nature’s Revelation

The complexity of life with its ebbs and flows can be viewed through the kaleidoscope of nature’s creation. From the somber mist to the unveiling of the brilliant sun, hardship and beauty are embodied in symbols of nature to represent human emotions. Through it all, faith and hope buoy Christ’s followers in the passage of life.

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This Too Shall Pass

We never know when we may receive news that shatter us or leave us feeling unsettled. However, the promises of Jesus, our rock, the cornerstone of our faith, is true and unwavering. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Let us remember and refer to scripture passages, what Jesus did for us, and hold fast to the Lord’s promises.

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Jesus is Ever Near; With Faith, We Persevere Through Trials

Reflecting upon Jesus walking on water is an opportunity to deepen your faith. Imagine being there in His midst as a disciple. We can encounter Him in nature, in our prayers or silence of our hearts, or circumstances. Consider how Christ was incarnate to share in our humanity, to face life's struggles of that era, and especially for Him to suffer during His mission of salvation for one and all.

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Fragile Strength

Nature is God’s fine creation and sometimes one may find Him there in surprising, mysterious ways. I may meditate upon scriptures when outside, away from asphalt, traffic and life’s hectic pace. Or I may simply marvel and thank God for His gift of Creation and for Him being ever present in the Holy Spirit within and without.

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Answers to Prayer – Just Beyond the Horizon

As humans, we live hectic lives with uncertainty. It’s easy to succumb to having anxiety about the known. However, the Lord repeats the command, “Do not be afraid.” By reading scripture with intention of assimilating what Jesus said, we may alleviate a great deal of what worries us.

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The Compass of Faith

Humans tend to struggle with change. Moving away from everything one has known is unsettling, and there is sometimes a culture shock and a necessary period of adjustment. Faith acts as a compass guiding our daily lives as we navigate new experiences and locales, and the day-to-day. We can always count on God to guide us when we continually reach out to Him for guidance, peace, and fortitude.

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Wrested Wind and Waves

Poem is based on scripture when Jesus stilled the wind and waves (Matthew 8:23–27, Mark 4:35–41, and Luke 8:22–25). Our Lord’s message to us is to keep our eyes upon Him and to hold fast to faith, as he is always with us.

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A Pilgrim Journey

Each one of us is a pilgrim on life’s journey. Through perseverance, one travels the hills and valleys of life with a focus on God and a fortitude born of faith..

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A PRESENCE EVERLASTS

With the recent loss of my aunt, who was also my godmother, I have been reflecting about how much we miss our loved ones when they are no longer with us. Having grown up in New England, I draw inspiration from all of the seasons. This poem utilizes the winter theme as a vehicle to underscore the grief experience. In the midst of it all, our faith brings comfort and peace. Indeed, we are not alone.

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Winter’s Icy Grasp

The winter season is an apt metaphor for when one feels completely alone. Indeed, the land is bare and dormant and life seems to be at a standstill. However, winter only lasts for a season. Then, comes the warmth of the spring sun with the promise of new life bursting forth. Not only do we experience the four seasons each year, but we also grow and change with the changing seasons of our lives.

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