Summer Meadow
Let every day just of itself occur like a child / walks away from every wind / and happens upon the gift of many flowers
Poems, Image, Songs, Expressions
Let every day just of itself occur like a child / walks away from every wind / and happens upon the gift of many flowers
"By contemplating Mary in heavenly glory, we understand that the earth is not the definitive homeland for us either, and that if we live with our gaze fixed on eternal goods we will one day share in this same glory and the earth will become more beautiful.
The Station is an illusion--It constantly outdistances us. Tucked away in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision in which we see ourselves on a long journey that spans an entire continent.But uppermost in our conscious minds is our final destination.
'We know that our lives began in a place and we sense or, at least, we
hope that our lives are going somewhere. Just as pilgrims keep moving
in the direction of an unseen sanctuary, so we choose to find meaning
in our life's journey."
Suddenly, from all the green around you, / Something, - you don't know what - has disappeared; / You feel it creeping closer to the window, / In total silence. From the nearby wood
Living by the sea, I sometimes, after rainfall, catch sight of a beautiful rainbow just like this one, so awesome that I am always caught by surprise, stopping whatever I am doing and just standing still, gaping at this vision, a wonderful part of our natural world but also a glimpse of heaven.
In moments of stillness and meditation, there are poems that soothe the mind and inspire thought. Some give a sense of the excitement and beauty of the natural world and its relationship to man. Others ponder upon the silence and music, or upon love and personal identity.
This poem reminds me of the first Claretian Missionaries who came to England 100 years ago, just before the First World War.
The names of those who in their lives fought for life,
Who wore at their hearts the fire's centre.
Born of the sun, they travelled a short while toward the sun
And left the vivid air signed with their honour.
So from now on, when we go to a museum or a church and see a crying Magdalene, we can choose to remember that the purpose of the Crucifixion was the Resurrection, and that the tears we see washed her eyes of the illusion of death in order to see life. Her vision, of life reborn, of life never dead, can be the warp and weft on which we can place our faith to believe that out of our pain, a new life can be born.
It is a long day, / a waiting day. / Where is our Tree of hope? / the Flower of Future Glory? / The Song of Promise and the eager Longing for Beyond?
We must fall on our knees as we contemplate the crucifixion. But even on our knees, we will not understand. Yet, fret not. An explanation for such a sacrifice is beyond our understanding. "Leave the battered Cross high on the Calvary of our London village and move towards Easter"
Rilke is a supremely spiritual poet who became the most important lyrical poet of 20th century Germany. Paradoxically, he was born in Prague, but it was to the Slav world with its strong catholic tradition that the spirit of Rainer Maria Rilke was drawn.
At this time of drought in many parts of England, farmers are being remembered in our prayers. The outlook for the grain and vegetable harvests is quite worrying, with the possibility of shortages and a knock-on increase in prices, which will affect us all.
This pensive and short poem by Robert Herrick, a vicar who lived at the time of the civil war, reminds us of the fleeting nature of all beauty, and that life, whether floral or human, is short and usually ends sooner than we would desire.
A mother's love is something that no one can explain.
For nothing can destroy it or take that love away ....
It is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking
And it never fails or falters even though its heart is breaking.
Swift and sure the Thames and you / race on towards the sea; / you have a broken burden / and so, for sure, has he. - "Please give me the strength to move forward on the path you've laid out for me."
Are you feeling a bit bewildered by all the complex problems we hear in the news these days ? Are you lacking in inspiration when you have to solve a problem ? Listen to the beautiful sound of the meadow-lark in Ireland or just have a glance at these beautiful Cardinals, preening their feathers in the spring morning air.'Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.'
The grain of wheat must die / in bearing life / that of her substance she may grow / a golden head. / Infinite worth / no more of earth, / but raised and blessed and sanctified / a Host in form of bread.
Only a thrush / which you could crush / and yet / you stay your hand / and let / it be; / helping, holding, / soft enfolding, / just as God holds me.
How few of us / would count it gain / to kneel within a country lane
before God`s breaking Spring, to kiss / a snowdrop in the rain.