While hearing Genesis 8: 1-12 proclaimed at Mass, I felt Noah’s gentle hand on my heart.Noah opened the hatch of the ark at the end of 40 days during the great flood. He firstreleased a raven that “flew back and forth until the waters dried off from the Earth.” It’sunclear if the raven stayed awayContinue reading “Noah, God and me”
Author Archives: Christina Delaney
Snow prints
Snow prints. They can tell the story of who visited this place, and show the chosen path. I see that deer stepped onto a frozen pond, just as far as the snow-covered ice ended. Did they drink from the exposed water circle, before jumping to solid ground? I see a grass-exposed hillside. The white groundContinue reading “Snow prints”
HOPE
A trace of last night’s snow covered some of the ground, with tips of grass peeking through. Our first snowfall in over a year! The sun was out, and had melted most of the little white dusting. Two excited young brothers across the street were bundled up against the winter wind, swaying the barren trees.Continue reading “HOPE”
When Hearth Hits Home
Sitting near a beautiful large stone fireplace in a Franciscan Friary, I imagine its use in years past, heating the large high-ceilinged gathering space. Now it serves as decor. No more wood in its belly, presently filled with artificial green ferns. What a beautiful, stately hearth! The room is currently warmed by wall heaters, underContinue reading “When Hearth Hits Home”
Berries of Hope
Wind blows. Another weakened leaf drifts downward, caught gently by Mother Earth. A hungry squirrel flicks his tail as he pauses atop my backyard fence. No birds at the feeders just now, though fallen seeds below attest to their visit. More bared branches admit vision to the blue November sky. Dormancy looms. As I turnContinue reading “Berries of Hope”
CHOICE
We’re asked to choose joy this day. Sorrow has been easier since the election results. Despair, hopelessness, and anger Are much easier beats in rhythm to Falling leaves and fallen hearts. The cool breeze holds a promise of bitter chill, As it stirs dried leaves at my feet. But, I know that choosing joy IsContinue reading “CHOICE”
Lady Maple
Lady Maple, skirt so bright, How your leaves bring us delight! Green through summer’s lengthy days, Your change to red does us amaze. A small green pine then caught my eye. He doesn’t “pop” like others nigh. Ah, but wait ’til winter days draw near: He will bring life to landscape drear. For now weContinue reading “Lady Maple”
What’s your song?
During a daily Mass, people were reverently quiet in prayer. The Scripture readings were proclaimed, the homily delivered, and as the Consecration began, I noticed persistent singing from outside. A mocking bird, no doubt! She joined in prayerful chorus with us, as we worshiped and thanked our Creator for life and love. She continued singingContinue reading “What’s your song?”
Who’s there?
Cooler morning air announces autumn’s approach. I ponder last night’s restless sleep: Hours of lying in wait, But for what? Solitary sounds sifted slowly through opened windows’ screens, Softly slicing silent stillness. Then, at 3 AM, haunting “whooo whooo whooo” trilogies: An Eastern Screech-Owl called from amid lazy cricket chirps, Like a winged horse’s whinnyContinue reading “Who’s there?”
Presence
“It is good to be here,” in the quiet, dimly lit chapel, following a well-attended Mass. A few people light votive candles, then kneel to pray. A young man, having just gone to Confession, re-enters the chapel to pray his penance. Two sets of dark wooden pews line the walls, facing one another, offering individualContinue reading “Presence”
Pondering Christ 