Noah, God and me

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”

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”

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”

** Fireworks **

I watched a 4th of July fireworks display last night. It was hot and muggy, but enjoyable to be with friends, family and community. Not one to gravitate to “live” fireworks in the uncomfortable heat (sometimes it’s pleasant to be indoors, watching them on television!), I began to search for a possible connection with GodContinue reading “** Fireworks **”