Wednesday, May 29, 2013
I didn't understand a word......
....well, maybe oui. Their loving looks and smiles said it all. LOVE is LOVE, it can't be simpler or more true. Many Happy Years Vincent Autin and Bruno Boileau!!!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
A Memorial Day Prayer
Eternal God,
Creator of years, of centuries,
Lord of whatever is beyond time,
Maker of all species and master of all history --
How shall we speak to you
from our smallness and inconsequence?
Except that you have called us to worship you
in spirit and in truth;
You have dignified us with loves and loyalties;
You have lifted us up with your loving kindnesses.
Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling
[though we sometimes feel that low]
and without fear
[though we are often anxious].
We sing with spirit and pray with courage
because you have dignified us;
You have redeemed us from the aimlessness
of things' going meaninglessly well.
God, lift the hearts of those
for whom this holiday is not just diversion,
but painful memory and continued deprivation.
Bless those whose dear ones have died
needlessly, wastefully [as it seems]
in accident or misadventure.
We remember with compassion those who have died
serving their countries
in the futility of combat.
There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation,
when all the answers we are offered
fail the question death asks of each of us.
We believe that you will provide for us
as others have been provided with the fulfillment of
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
By Rev. Dick Kozelka (ret)
First Congregational Church of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN.
Because Love makes us perfect......
....Courage makes us invincible...Together, they transform the world.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Night Prayer of the broken hearted
Responsory:
One: God come to our assistance and make haste to help us.
All: We are hurting for a myriad of reasons and none at all.
One: Our pain is real and we ache to be delivered.
All: No more the loneliness and isolation we pray; be our solace and joy.
One: We pray that hearts once broken may be made whole and resilient.
All: Now and always may it be so.
Reading:
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Silence: kept as one desires and needs
Prayer:
Strength and peace of the lonely and brokenhearted; hear us as we call to you from our pain and sorrow. Heal us as we gather the desires and hopes of our hearts; and our prayers for those we love and those who have no one to pray for them. May the sunrise find us newly refreshed and hopeful that what we have asked has been granted. In faith and hope we proclaim: Amen
Closing:
One: May the night ahead bring us rest and strength.
All: May the morning find us rejoicing.
How often it's people who.....
......cloud our happiness. We hope for fairness and truth, but we find selfishness and fear.
Thoughts at 4:33pm
The front door is open
And the world goes on as I watch.
Dappled light plays against the door frame.
Music dances through my muddled mind,
And happiness seems possible for some.
I don't seem to know the words to the music of happiness,
Yet you gave me the desire to sing.
Schmaltzy Sunday: Sometimes, it just feels that way...
I've posted this before, but it remains ne of my favorites....
What to say about the Trinity? A lot from me and a little from the pope...
Today is Trinity Sunday, and I confess I'm at a loss for words (yes, it does happen!). In times past, and for some even today, defining "orthodoxy" was and is very important. To such individuals, you MUST believe the faith as outlined in the historic creeds, most notably the Apostles and Nicene creeds. For more information and an to read these creeds, follow the links. In many churches, one (usually Nicene) of these creeds is recited as part of the service, often after the sermon or homily (the subtle difference between these is fodder for another post).
Once Christianity was no longer illegal and a good way to get yourself killed, church leaders became obsessed with orthodoxy and battling (often violently) those who espoused another interpretation of Jesus, His message and the nature of the church. The church "fathers" insisted there was one faith that all must believe to belong to the community and that leads to salvation. All other ways of seeing faith were wrong, heretical and condemned forcefully. The wholesale slaughter of the Albigensians (Cathars) is a perfect example. I remember being taught as a child that I belonged to the "true" church which alone professed and possessed the true faith and the "keys" to salvation.
As the years have passed, and I've experienced much of life in it's wonders and sorrows, I've come to feel that what is essential is getting about the business of making a better (more just) world. I think God, Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the angles and saints are on the side of our getting off our theological duffs and getting about the work inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Love of neighbor (ALL neighbors), feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick and comforting the dying to name a few are what we should be about as people of faith. I don't think God gives a fig about our theological correctness as long as we love one another.
So, on this Trinity Sunday, I confess I haven't a clue about the true nature of God, but I agree (miracles happen) with the Pope who said just a few days ago "We must meet one another doing good." All the theological arguments sort of fade to insignificance if we do so.
Holy Trinity Painting by Mishou Sanchez
Saturday, May 25, 2013
A late vesper prayer.....
At this hour,
When the last rays of your vesper light
Blesses the recesses of our hearts.
Fill us with "enough" to safely journey through this night,
And we will greet the dawn with gratitude and resurrection joy.
Amen
Pope says: Jesus redeemed us all...even athiests?
"The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! ‘Father, the atheists?’ Even the atheists. Everyone! And this Blood makes us children of God of the first class! We are created children in the likeness of God and the Blood of Christ has redeemed us all! And we all have a duty to do good. And this commandment for everyone to do good, I think, is a beautiful path towards peace. If we, each doing our own part, if we do good to others, if we meet there, doing good, and we go slowly, gently, little by little, we will make that culture of encounter: we need that so much. We must meet one another doing good. ‘But I don’t believe, Father, I am an atheist!’ But do good: we will meet one another there."
Read more: HERE
Of course all the "fundies" of every stripe (Catholic, Evangelical, etc....) are up in arms because they just can't live unless they are sure atheists are going to hell. I don't often agree with the pope, but here I say AMEN Frankie!!!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Prayer at the end of a dark day...
Guide us, Lord, through the dark places of our day
that we might trust you when shadows overcome the light.
Remind us that darkness is as light to you. Amen.
commonprayer.net
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Night Prayer
Shade and Darkness, The Evening of The Deluge - William Turner
As the shadows lengthen and merge into evening,
Be our light in the blindness and fear that night can bring.
May the hurtful and harmful events of this day
Receive the balm of your love and the healing of rest in your peace.
Amen
A first step?
What does a boy think when an organization says he's welcome and accepted until he's 18, then he's out and unacceptable?
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Night Prayer
O God, your unfailing providence sustains the world we live in and the life we live: Watch over those, both night and day, who work while others sleep, and grant that we may never forget that our common life depends upon each other’s toil; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Book of Common Prayer, 1979 edition
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Evening Admonition
...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is any praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned...and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8,9)
Monday, May 20, 2013
Night Prayer
Lord it is night. The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God. It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done. Let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities. In your name we pray. Amen.
From the New Zealand Prayer Book
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Pentecost Prayer
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Know Your Status!
LoveYourself | "Know Your Status" for Hornet: youtu.be/2yc3IEcx6A8 via @youtube
— John Bare (@JBinSFO) April 30, 2013
Prophesy come true
They're doing a pretty good job of it, and the republikkkans in congress are a perfect example!
Secular faith
“The world is my church. My actions are my prayer. My behavior is my creed.”
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
Pentecost: Taking it to the streets
Pentecost by Jacqui (aka Purple-whirlpool)
..."on Pentecost, God spoke. And the people in the streets understood."
David R. Henson
Pentecost is usually considered and celebrated as the birth(day) of the church. I have no problem with this, but I would offer that in most cases the definition given to "the church" is far too narrow. Many denominations define "church" as them and only them. Pentecost, by it's very nature shows that nothing less than all of creation is the dwelling place of the Paraclete (... "one who consoles or comforts, one who encourages or uplifts; hence refreshes, and/or one who intercedes on our behalf as an advocate-Wikipedia). The Holy Spirit cannot be confined to one church, denomination or even one religion. All people of good will can respond to the promptings of God's Spirit. Pentecost shows us we are ALL truly sisters and brothers and members of one family. God won't be confined by our narrow definitions and our lust for power and control. The Spirit, and by example and inspiration all of us are free.
The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. John 3:8
The greatness of small kindnesses...
WELL WORTH THE TIME!
A NYC Taxi driver wrote:
I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again. Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and walked up to the door and knocked.. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor.
After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940's movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard
box filled with photos and glassware.
'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.
She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her.. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.'
'Oh, you're such a good boy, she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked, 'Could you drive
through downtown?'
'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..
'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.
I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..'The doctor says I don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'.
We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.
They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.
'How much do I owe you?' She asked, reaching into her purse.
'Nothing,' I said
'You have to make a living,' she answered.
'There are other passengers,' I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.
'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life..
I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?
On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware-beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
The Dawn French Fanpage
Saturday, May 18, 2013
An Evening Prayer
God help us to live slowly:
To move simply:
To look softly:
To allow emptiness:
To let the heart create for us.
Amen.
― Michael Leunig
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