Prayerful Timing?

I arrived at church at 8:55, knelt in prayer for thanksgiving, then sat back in my pew for some quiet time, waiting for Mass to begin. At this particular church there is a bell tower that plays the same tune as my grandmother’s clock did, reminding me of childhood days. The priest normally waits forContinue reading “Prayerful Timing?”

Invitation

At Mass on Sunday, I sat behind parents with a young girl, probably about 4 years old. Dressed in a cute skirt, sweater and boots, she kept herself busy munching goldfish crackers in a Ziploc baggie, looking around at people, while Mass prayers began. Fr. Mike called little ones to the front of church, forContinue reading “Invitation”

Early Bird Wisdom

It’s the second day of January. A new month, a new year. Cold air nips at anyone’s nose outside. The living room fire is so delightful! As I gaze out the window, winged life streaks by. Was that a robin?? In January?? Then, something flies by so quickly, but my trained eye notes something blue.Continue reading “Early Bird Wisdom”

Be Seated

While at Mass the other day, one of my friends, Chris, was the lector. The priest and deacon were seated, and the 3rd chair next to Fr. Mike was vacant. After he finished reading, Chris headed to a seat, behind the 3 chairs where the priest and deacon were. Fr. Mike stopped Chris, patted theContinue reading “Be Seated”

Loving Signs

I am sometimes stopped at a traffic light alongside a bus, waiting to turn into the school campus. When I see the students by the windows, I think back to my own childhood, riding the bus early in the morning. Anticipation of the school day looms. Who knows what kind of morning the children haveContinue reading “Loving Signs”

Hear My Voice

When I sit close to the front of church at morning Mass, I occasionally hear someone make a noise behind me. Without seeing them, I can often identify who is making the sound. Joan has a certain way to clear her throat. Donald coughs in a low soft tone. Pam has a prolonged throat clearing,Continue reading “Hear My Voice”

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”

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?”

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”