Divine Challenger

“When will you decide to truly listen?
How long will it take for you to forgive?
Have you considered being patient?
Are you judging that person fairly?
Does your honesty help or hurt?
What will it take for you to trust?
When will you cease your deception?
Do you know that I care about you?”
Ah, in so many ways you challenge us
Because you believe in who we can be.

Today : I follow through on a divine challenge.

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This excerpt from Fragments of your Ancient Name by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.

Compassionate One

Luke 6:36

When did the people of your era distinguish you
As the person from whom compassion flowed?
Perhaps it was the way you touched a leper’s hand
Or how you stopped to hear the widow’s pain.
Maybe when you interrupted self-righteous men
And freed the frightened woman about to be stoned,
Or the tone of your voice when you responded
To the blind beggars’ pleas to regain their sight.
Wherever you went, you moved closer to pain
Doing all you could to ease suffering and to heal.

Today : I learn how to care from the Compassionate One.

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This excerpt from Fragments of your Ancient Name by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.

Dweller in the Heart

Alakananda Devi

You inhabit the totality of my being
So quietly I often forget you are there.
You occupy the corners where even I
Sometimes fear to enter and reside.
You abide in the midst of my weakness
And accept my endless efforts to change.
Oh, the mystery, the wonder, the power
Of your dwelling within my simple heart!
Thank you for the gift of your presence,
For the permanent lodging of your love.

Today : I turn to the One who dwells in me.

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This excerpt from Fragments of your Ancient Name by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.

The Emptied One

Philippians 2:6-11

You often emptied yourself within ministry,
Giving of yourself fully for the sake of others.
You also suffered degradation and mockery,
Accepting the burden of the bloodied cross,
And made your way resolutely to Calvary.
Why did you not cling to your divine power?
Why allow your humanity to have full reign?
What kept you from running away from it all?
Were you teaching us, even through your dying,
That emptying out of self is part of the giving?

Today :  I act out of love for the sake of others.

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This excerpt from Fragments of your Ancient Name by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.

God Who Breaks Chains

Elizabeth Johnson

I have been bound time and again
By fetters that shackled me tightly
And entangled my heart’s desires.
These countless, vapid excuses of mine
For not being the person I could be
Have restrained the love in my heart
Intended to flow outward to others.
You continually show me these chains
And help me break loose, to be free
From whatever chokes my goodness.

Today : I pay attention to what chains me.

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This excerpt from Fragments of your Ancient Name by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.

Encourager of the Morning

Macrina Wiederkehr

The yawns, groans, and stretches
That come with first awakening
Reflect the mornings of my spirit.
There, too, I slowly become alert
To what requires my attentiveness.
You gently approach my drowsy self
Like a mother stirring her child awake,
Calling me from my sleep of indifference,
Insisting on my rising to your presence
And attentively greeting my inner light.

Today : I awaken to what sleeps in me.

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This excerpt from Fragments of your Ancient Name by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.

God of My Bitter Hours

Karl Rahner

You knelt in the Gethsemane garden
In the final hours before your death,
The sweat of bloody regret on your brow.
We, too, have our painful episodes
When the bitter taste of obvious defeat
Barricades any hope of comfort and release.
You join us in our bitter hours of struggle
When opposition, discontent, or lament
Block the corridors to our peacefulness.
You reassure us, “This, too, will pass.”

Today : I join my heart to the One in the garden.

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Glorious One

Revelation 4:1-11

In the wisdom of aging friends,
In the sight of a shooting star,
In the play of waves upon the sea,
In the talent of artist and musician,
In the laughter of cheerful strangers,
In the touch of a faithful lover,
In the first sign of green after winter,
In the taste of Bread at the table,
In the haven of our own heart,
In these and more, we see your glory.

Today : I look for signs of the Glorious One.

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This excerpt from Fragments of your Ancient Name by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.

My Salvation

Psalm 27:1

Contrary to the frequently quoted saying,
“God helps those who help themselves,”
Certain situations cannot be managed
No matter what we attempt to do.
At these times, we seek a full reprieve
At the welcome doorstep of your grace.
We call out amid our helpless affliction,
Begging relief from that which devours us,
Trusting you will lead us toward release
And help us break free from our captivity.

Today : I do what I can. Then I let go and trust.

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Miracle Worker

Mark 1:29-34

The straightening of twisted limbs,
The healing of leprous wounds,
The quieting of a storm at sea,
The dead catching their breath,
None can compare to the miracles
You create within people’s hearts.
Sinners choose to change their ways.
Hardened hearts finally soften.
Doubtful minds give way to faith,
And stubborn wills yield to your love.

Today : I open my entire being to the Miracle Worker.

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This excerpt from Fragments of your Ancient Name by Joyce Rupp is reprinted with permission of the publisher, Ave Maria Press.