I like the pope’s quote, Lord
– for the second of its two elements…
I’m not all that keen on thinking about conversion
but there are some things I know I’d love to be free of…
To be filled with faith in you
and free of uncertain self-doubt…
To be filled with a generous impulse
and free of pampering myself…
To be grateful for all I have
and free of envy’s greed…
To be filled with a gentle spirit
and free of hardness of heart…
To be filled with mercy and pardon
and free of petty grudges…
To be filled with the gift of peace
and free of annoyance and anger…
To be filled with wholesome desire
and free of lusty musing…
To be filled with humble regard
and free of pride and ego…
To be filled with good will towards all
and free of intolerant bias…
To be filled with compassion and kindness
and free of bitter resentment…
To be filled with your Holy Spirit, Lord,
free to become all you call me to be…
