When the Song of the Angels is Stilled
When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flock, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among brothers, To make music in the heart. Howard Thurman
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Modern Day John the Baptists
The task given to St John the Baptist was to prepare the people for the appearance of Christ. Jesus had of course been born thirty years beforehand but it was only after his Baptism at the hands of John in the River Jordan that Jesus finally begins his public ministry. To avoid misunderstanding, John the Baptist explains that he is not the Messiah and goes on to tell the people, as best as he is able, just what this coming Messiah was to be like. In a way this is our task too; to explain to those around us just who the Son of God is and what he achieved in the world, and how important is the salvation he brought for us. Father Alex Come, thou long expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne. Charles Wesley, 1744 Alma Redemptoris Mater
Mother of Christ! Hear thou thy people's cry, Star of the deep, and portal of the sky! Mother of Him Who thee from nothing made, Sinking we strive and call to thee for aid; Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee, Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy mercy see. Marian Prayer for Advent Prayer for Good Humour by Saint Thomas More
Grant me, O Lord, good digestion, and also something to digest. Grant me a healthy body, and the necessary good humour to maintain it. Grant me a simple soul that knows to treasure all that is good and that doesn’t frighten easily at the sight of evil, but rather finds the means to put things back in their place. Give me a soul that knows not boredom, grumblings, sighs and laments, nor excess of stress, because of that obstructing thing called ‘I’. Grant me, O Lord, a sense of good humour. Allow me the grace to be able to take a joke, to discover in life a bit of joy, and to be able to share it with others. Amen. One
One SONG can spark a moment One FLOWER can wake the dream One TREE can start a forest One BIRD can herald spring One SMILE begins a friendship One HANDCLASP lifts a soul One STAR can guide a ship at sea One WORD can frame the goal One VOTE can change a nation One SUNBEAM lights a room One CANDLE wipes out darkness One LAUGH will conquer gloom One STEP must start each journey One WORD must start a prayer One HOPE will raise our spirits One TOUCH can show you care One VOICE can speak with wisdom One HEART can know what is true One LIFE can make a difference. Today’s Parable
In the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, the bridegroom represents Jesus, and the virgins symbolize his followers or believers. The lamps are the outward signs of their faith, and the oil is often interpreted as a symbol of spiritual preparedness and the Holy Spirit. The main lesson of this parable is the importance of being spiritually prepared and watchful for the return of Christ. The wise virgins represent those who are spiritually prepared, with an adequate supply of oil, and are ready to meet the bridegroom when he arrives. The foolish virgins, on the other hand, represent those who are not prepared, and they miss the opportunity to join in the wedding banquet, which is often seen as a symbol of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. The parable emphasizes the need for vigilance, readiness, and a constant state of spiritual preparedness because the return of Christ is unknown and can happen at any time. It encourages believers to keep their faith strong, live according to their beliefs, and be watchful for the coming of the Lord. Father Alex Ten Ways to Make Yourself Miserable
I am the Great Sun
From a Normandy crucifix of 1632 I am the great sun, but you do not see me, I am your husband, but you turn away. I am the captive, but you do not free me, I am the captain but you will not obey. I am the truth, but you will not believe me, I am the city where you will not stay. I am your wife, your child, but you will leave me, I am that God to whom you will not pray. I am your counsel, but you will not hear me, I am your lover whom you will betray. I am the victor, but you do not cheer me, I am the holy dove whom you will slay. I am your life, but if you will not name me, Seal up your soul with tears, and never blame me. Charles Causley The OtherThere are nights that are so still
I can hear the small owl calling far off and a fox barking miles away. It is then that I lie the lean hours awake listening to the swell born somewhere in the Atlantic, rising and falling, rising and falling, wave on wave on the long shore by the village, that is without light and companionless. And the thought comes of that other being who is awake, too, letting our prayers break on him, not like this for a few hours, but for days, years, for eternity. R. S. Thomas |
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May 2024
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