Humming with Hope . . .

 

Humming In The Darkness

Hope means to keep living
amid desperation
and to keep humming
in the darkness.

Hoping is knowing that there is love,
it is trust in tomorrow
it is falling asleep
and waking again
when the sun rises.

In the midst of a gale at sea,
it is to discover land.
In the eyes of another
it is to see that you are understood . . .

As long as there is still hope
There will also be prayer . . .

And you will be held

in God’s hands.  

Henri Nouwen ~ With Open Hands

Open to the mystery . . .

 

An Unclenched Moment . . .

Gentle me, Holy One,
Into an unclenched moment,
a deep breath, a letting go
of heavy experiences, of shriveling anxieties,
of dead certainties,
that, softened by the silence, surrounded by the light,
and open to the mystery,
I may be found by wholeness,
upheld by the unfathomable,
entranced by the simple,
and filled with the joy
That is You .

God, always gives . . .

 

Several Times in the Last Week

by  Hafiz

 

Ever since Happiness heard your name,

It has been running through the streets

Trying to find you.

 

And several times in the last week,

God has even come to my door –

Asking me for your address!

 

Once I said,

“God,

I thought You knew everything.

Why are You asking me

Where Your lovers live?”

 

And the Beloved replied,

 

Indeed, I do know Everything –

But it is fun playing dumb once in a while.

And I love intimate chat

And the warmth of your heart’s fire.

 

Maybe we should make this poem into a song –

I think it has potential!

 

How does this refrain sound,

For I know it is a Truth:

 

Ever since Happiness heard your name,

It has been running through the streets

Trying to find you.

And several times in the last week,

God has come to my door –

So sweetly asking for your address,

Wanting the beautiful warmth of your heart’s fire.

 

I Heard God Laughing –

Renderings of Hafiz

By Daniel Ladinsky

In this world . . .let us . . .

 Lord, make us your witnesses.

In this world of darkness, let our light shine.
In this world of lies, let us speak the good news of truth.
In this world of hate and fear, let us radiate your love.
In this world of despair, let us spread hope.
In this world of systemic injustice and institutionalized evil, let us
   promote justice and goodness.
In this world of sadness and sorrow, let us bring joy.
In this world of cruelty and condemnation, let us show your       
   compassion.
In this world of vengeance and retaliation, let us offer your mercy
   and reconciliation.
In this world of war, let  us serve your gift of peace.

Author: John Dear

July 14, 2024: Katie Laskey Preaches for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

July 7, 2024: Bonnie LeMelle Abadie, D. Min. preaches for the Fourteenth...

A Prayer for July 4th . . .

 

 

 

 

Blessed Are You, O God, Who Has Made Us Free Persons

With joyful hearts uplifted in gratitude, we rejoice in that freedom which each of us has been given. We are a free people since we have come forth from the God of freedom. We are a free people because we have worked to remain free of all that threatens to enslave us.

We are filled with thanksgiving that You, our Redeemer, have shown us how we might be free in spirit and in heart as well as in body.

As You directed Your holy servant Moses to lead Your children Israel from slavery, from the oppression of the Pharaoh, so continue to direct us so that we may stay free from the oppression of evil, of greed and the lust for power over others.

As free daughters and sons of God, may the lamp of truth burn brightly in our home and in each of our hearts. As sisters and brothers of Jesus, may we be faithful, as was He, to the wondrous freedom of the children of light and be ever grateful for the joys of liberty.

May our profound reverence for truth, as piercing as a sword and ever-liberating, be our burning torch of freedom and shield against oppression in mind, heart, and soul.

Blessed are You, our God, who has made us free persons.  Amen.

(Adapted from Prayers for the Domestic Church)