His penance, his mercy:
work, the layman’s pathway;
to improve one’s condition;
to give of oneself,
giving it all; and to get
to Heaven, getting others
to Heaven too.
Though not everyone’s a friend:
seems at times more foes
are setting snares and traps;
some of the same people
one would share the Good News
are conniving, jealous, envious;
one’s success, their disfavor;
one’s holiness, their hostility.
Seek out disciples anyway,
for good Grace is in numbers.
Sanctify the workplace,
your discipline, their example.
Let prickly thorns take you to Heaven.
The blood of sacrifice
and the aroma of mercy
become the leather work gloves
that wipe the sweat, allowing
perseverance, and the
collection of a sweet
offering to our Lady:
a favored fresh rose bouquet!
Gary Edward Geraci