Featured post

Farewell

We never want to let go of them, those we love. How could it be any different than that?  We loved them, hold them still ...

Tuesday 29 April 2014

Not loitering, not being dragged, but do not delay!

I've been reading Pope Francis  The Church of Mercy and he talks about Mary setting out on her journey to visit Elizabeth 'with haste' (Luke 1: 39). Mary, he says, ' is not in a hurry'! Mary, he says 'does not let herself be dragged along by events'.
But, here's the critical thing it seems to me.... 'when she has clearly understood what God is asking of her, what she has to do, she does not loiter, she does not delay, but goes with haste' (P. 148)

and so I pray
Oh Lord, don't let me be hurried, dragged, driven, pressurized  along paths not of your making.
Help me to stand still, just for a second even, to listen deeply for the tone of your voice.
Unmistakable, when I hear it.

In the midst of delays of tube and bus
call to me.

I will answer.

Saturday 19 April 2014

In another garden

I'm in another garden now: crouched, forlorn and seeking.
'Have you seen him whom my heart loves? Has he passed by you?'

I am standing in the presence of an indomitable life force
if I could realize ...
for a moment, for a lifetime.

It is I, Mary, It is I.

John 20: 11-18
Song of Songs 3: 1-5 

St John of the Cross, Spiritual Canticle
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/john_cross/canticle.iv.html

Friday 18 April 2014

Along the way

In the midst of all the noise, confusion and violence of this Good Friday, where hate prevails ...
I am listening to the stillest silence.
It speaks quiet strength, roaring lion. Love.

My soul is sad

I am in the garden, sleeping.
My eyes are heavy with grief.

And Jesus prays, that if it's possible, this hour might pass.
He throws himself on the ground. Remove this cup!

He is deeply grieved, even to death.
Even to death.
It does not come so soon ... the yet: the not what I want, but what you want my Father.
Abba.

and yes, I do not know what to say to him.
yes, I am still sleeping.

But enough! the hour has come.
Get up. Let us be going.
Let's walk the road.
(Mark 14: 32-42)