Miscellaneous spiritual, aesthetic, cultural, and political explorations by a world citizen
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
A Christmas prayer from Bishop Marc
Dear God, the troubles of our world have left many of us speechless. We don’t know how, in the numbness around jobs lost, illnesses we don’t have the resources to cure, a planet imperiled by the accumulated effects of our greed, and the seemingly endless presence of war and violence, to say our prayers. We are lighting candles, though – in our Advent wreaths, quietly, in side chapels of our churches, in our rooms where no one else but You can see. The candle flame is our prayer, wordless but filled with meaning, with petition, hope, and faith. And the candle flame is your answer to our prayer. You lighten our darkness, O Lord. Amen. --+Marc Californiae
Paul -- we here in Durango just had a 102 year old member die. Some are stressed at having to deal with a funeral in the middle of Advent/Christmas, some are saddened and think the family will have somehow experienced a Christmas tainted by death. I would hope they will experience a death "tainted" by the miraculous Birth and Incarnation. Candles, indeed.
The views expressed on this blog are solely those of the blogger and do not represent the positions of any group or organization with which he may be affiliated. As one who spent decades stuffing down his opinions and emotions, I am inclined to cut loose here, which I believe is healthy, honest, and part of the process of sanctification in the long run. Politics and spirituality mingle freely here, along with theatre reviews, photography, and passionate talk about food, literature, and the human journey. If anything written here offends you, please find other blogs to read. I am here to share, not to do battle.
8 comments:
Amen to this.
In hopelessness where else can we turn but to the One who is Hope itself, Amen
Paul -- we here in Durango just had a 102 year old member die. Some are stressed at having to deal with a funeral in the middle of Advent/Christmas, some are saddened and think the family will have somehow experienced a Christmas tainted by death. I would hope they will experience a death "tainted" by the miraculous Birth and Incarnation. Candles, indeed.
Amen.
Prayers for the departed soul and all who mourn.
In the Holy Name of Jesus. Amen!
Oh, my.
Wonderful, wonderful prayer.
Mind if I nick it?
Nick away, my dear. It was on our diocesan newsletter; I'm sure +Marc wouldn't mind.
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