I can say the words
I can speak the words
Enough times so that the next time,
Stoking them, I can even
Elicit these feelings of intensity
Oh but that would be me doing all the work
Or I can seek out a Person
And when I find Him and go before Him
Well, there’s nothing else I need to do
(At all don’t you see?)
Like going out one blazing afternoon
To meet a lover along the river bank
And from a distance, in that near minute,
Something deep inside leaps by sight alone
-Gary Edward Geraci
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Author:
Gary Edward Geraci (
Offline) - Published: December 1st, 2018 09:41
- Comment from author about the poem: “Hot Furnace Burning” originated in thought after discussing with someone the different ways the Holy Spirit inspires and works with each of us through grace. I think that more than a few Christians (and non-believers but “spiritual” people) believe that “spirituality” is a “state” that we work ourselves into with proper practice, technique, and perhaps is something we finally attain to after a long passage of time. If we get all of this just right, sticking with it, or, perhaps being more fortunate than others, receiving favorable blessings, we may then finally enjoy great consolations, inspirations, and successes as enlightened, spiritual beings. From the works of great motivational speakers we know the achievement of such “state” is indeed possible. But is it lasting? For others, as a true testimony to success and divine favor, one may even imagine themselves capable of being able to call up, through the use of their own will, supernatural powers of the sort described in the Sacred Scriptures. In my own faith tradition, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ, is a real Person who, in great humility, comes to us daily in the holy Eucharist and Blessed Sacrament found. daily in Catholic Churches located around the world. Since He is there and really present in body, soul, and divinity, although hidden in the accidents of bread, we only need to go before Him, simply to show up and to know that we are infinitely loved, surrendering before Him with our own simple acts of faith, hope, and love. Whether we ‘feel’ anything or not does not change the metaphysical reality of being with the Person or of being before our Lord’s real presence. For many, a minimal exposure to Sacred Scripture and Tradition is enough to learn this astounding truth. Others will require more prayer and contemplation but ultimately, it’s God who will provide the grace to see. Through the lens of faith we can be certain of this great love, like a hot furnace burning, the Lord has for each of us. We need only to take a moment from the busyness of our lives to go before Him; to allow ourselves to be consumed by His infinite, burning love for us.
- Category: Love
- Views: 9
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Comments2
A fine write Gary.
Thank you Orchidee!
Those feelings can be with you in the most unexpected places.
Thank you Goldfinch!
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