I have always felt a degree of mystery around Jesus - birth and death alike - so your description of mystery being the manger in which we nestle Him in our hearts struck me immediately. I can visualise that as I also ponder on using Jesus as a pattern for how I show love and His light in the world which I encounter every day. That final prayer is much like my days at present, as I help a 25 year old son who is now at home with us post long term drug rehab, and how patience and kindness is required as he 'suffers' in this initial recovery phase. My son actually spoke of unconditional love at one of his meetings and it made me so happy that he could glimpse that from my wobbly efforts as the sole Christian in our home. The Incarnation section was poetical. Thank you for sharing it and helping us to feel more of that mystery.
Thank you and bless you for doing that. I have a small Benedictine Abbey near my new home in Australia and I have been able to go there for Mass occasionally and also pray along with them in the Liturgy of the Hours. Those prayers are similar to the one you shared, so simple yet full of grace and mercy and showing us Love.
Last week I felt such a lack of awe in our Bible study at church. Made me weep. Here this ancient writer fills my heart this evening with awe through his vision of Gods doing. Pray as I find a way to bring this heavenly paradox to women in prison tomorrow.
Grace. GRACE. I'm feeling this deep in my soul! Isn't it remarkable when you happen upon something so beautiful and think, "HOW did I survive without this in my life?!" What shocking, essential truths. I'm reminded of C. S. Lewis & his description of God changing the price tags around in a store. :)
All of the little stories that surround the Holy Family on their journey just tickle me to pieces. Look at that idol falling!
Enjoyed the beautiful excerpt from Christina Rossetti. I need to read more of her work. You might also enjoy my recent piece on the Pre-Raphaelites. It was really neat to see them referenced here. In many ways, I think they are the aesthetic movement we need in today's climate!
I'm going to be thinking about this one for days!!
"dust and divinity came together," that entire passage!
Right?! I read it in October and was like this MUST MAKE THE SUBSTACK... it's so haunting and beautiful
I have always felt a degree of mystery around Jesus - birth and death alike - so your description of mystery being the manger in which we nestle Him in our hearts struck me immediately. I can visualise that as I also ponder on using Jesus as a pattern for how I show love and His light in the world which I encounter every day. That final prayer is much like my days at present, as I help a 25 year old son who is now at home with us post long term drug rehab, and how patience and kindness is required as he 'suffers' in this initial recovery phase. My son actually spoke of unconditional love at one of his meetings and it made me so happy that he could glimpse that from my wobbly efforts as the sole Christian in our home. The Incarnation section was poetical. Thank you for sharing it and helping us to feel more of that mystery.
Thank you for your kind words, Catherine.
Much love to you & your son as you navigate this difficult challenge of recovery together--when I pray this prayer, I'll think of you too.
Thank you and bless you for doing that. I have a small Benedictine Abbey near my new home in Australia and I have been able to go there for Mass occasionally and also pray along with them in the Liturgy of the Hours. Those prayers are similar to the one you shared, so simple yet full of grace and mercy and showing us Love.
Last week I felt such a lack of awe in our Bible study at church. Made me weep. Here this ancient writer fills my heart this evening with awe through his vision of Gods doing. Pray as I find a way to bring this heavenly paradox to women in prison tomorrow.
Trisha, I'm glad this ancient writer found you! I will pray for you and your fellowship in prison.
Grace. GRACE. I'm feeling this deep in my soul! Isn't it remarkable when you happen upon something so beautiful and think, "HOW did I survive without this in my life?!" What shocking, essential truths. I'm reminded of C. S. Lewis & his description of God changing the price tags around in a store. :)
All of the little stories that surround the Holy Family on their journey just tickle me to pieces. Look at that idol falling!
Yes!!! Yes.
I love the idol waving its little arms as it falls 😂
Enjoyed the beautiful excerpt from Christina Rossetti. I need to read more of her work. You might also enjoy my recent piece on the Pre-Raphaelites. It was really neat to see them referenced here. In many ways, I think they are the aesthetic movement we need in today's climate!
This reflection on the paradox of the Incarnation is incredibly beautiful and to the point. Thank you for sharing it. Let us embrace the mystery.