Trees Bridging Seasons

Bare branches are a lovely sight (to some!) in cold dreary months: Their exposure allows us to see a tree’s foundational skeleton. Winter can be a time to focus inwardly: What are we truly made of? Look at our naked complexity! As baby green leaves emerge in early spring months, we see two seasons inContinue reading “Trees Bridging Seasons”

Tangled

The bush grows green at the tips of branches, While twisted vines lurk below. How do we see others? From what’s on top or Do we see the tangles that may snake underneath? I dare say: Some days gnarly notions arise, Surprising even me – how could I have such thoughts?! How do I stopContinue reading “Tangled”

Tasteless Faith

My favorite local restaurant meal lately is a Caesar salad, topped with a bourbon sauce grilled salmon filet. Since the pandemic, I have sometimes ordered this delicious meal as a “carry out,” to enjoy at home. It never disappoints! After 3 years of avoiding Covid, I finally got hit with it! Feeling better after 6Continue reading “Tasteless Faith”

Thirsty!

As I was in music rehearsal this morning before the 11:00 Mass, I observed a very sweet moment between a father and child. The 9:00 Mass was ongoing, and as often happens, a parent came out of the sanctuary with their restless child. I stood outside the parish library down the hall, with tambourine inContinue reading “Thirsty!”

FamilyTree

Yesterday morning, as I read the daily Scripture passages, memories of baking Christmas cookies with my mother came to mind. The genealogy of Jesus is recounted at the beginning of the Gospel according to Matthew: “Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah…theContinue reading “FamilyTree”

Heartbeat of God

I still myself enough, My cheek against the ancient tree, cut in half by lightning, then trimmed by machine’s saw. I hear the roots cry up to the large wide stump: “Listen!” Lo and behold: I feel the heartbeat of God. “I will keep growing.” Smaller branches sprout from the sides, Tiny heartbeats with newContinue reading “Heartbeat of God”

WE ARE SENT

My first trip out each day is to church for Mass, when possible. The communicants are my friends, as we worship together nearly every morning. We come together, giving thanks to God for our lives, and for others. We also petition Christ to give wisdom to leaders of nations, to guide our church in truth,Continue reading “WE ARE SENT”

COME TO ME

Jesus said, “I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” – (read John 6:35-40) Did you hear that?! “I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” All we need to do is to come to the Table, where the Bread of Life is offered. He will not reject us. How loved that shouldContinue reading “COME TO ME”

A BORDER VALENTINE

On this Valentine’s Day, The fence got in the way Of sharing civil love With the woman on the other side. She holds her baby, approaching “my country.” Approaching me. I freeze. What can I do? Border patrol looks on, ready to intervene. I think they have guns in their jeeps. I turn, shame wellingContinue reading A BORDER VALENTINE