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Hope- with substance

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BLESSING OF HOPE

So may we know
the hope
that is not just
for someday
but for this day—
here, now,
in this moment
that opens to us:

hope not made
of wishes
but of substance,

hope made of sinew
and muscle
and bone,

hope that has breath
and a beating heart,

hope that will not
keep quiet
and be polite,

hope that knows
how to holler
when it is called for,

hope that knows
how to sing
when there seems
little cause,

hope that raises us
from the dead—

not someday

but this day,
every day,
again and
again and
again.

Quote: Jan Richardson
The Cure for Sorrow: A Book of Blessings for Times of Grief

Image: “So That You May Know the Hope”
© janrichardsonimages.com

 

with many thanks to Jan Richardson

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For Peace

As the fever of day calms towards twilight
May all that is strained in us come to ease.

We pray for all who suffered violence today,
May an unexpected serenity surprise them.

For those who risk their lives each day for peace,
May their hearts glimpse providence at the heart of history.

That those who make riches from violence and war
Might hear in their dreams the cries of the lost.

That we might see through our fear of each other
A new vision to heal our fatal attraction to aggression.

That those who enjoy the privilege of peace
Might not forget their tormented brothers and sisters.

That the wolf might lie down with the lamb,
That our swords be beaten into ploughshares

And no hurt or harm be done
Anywhere along the holy mountain.

Quote: JOHN O’DONOHUE – from his book, Benedictus
Image: Mt. Tabor

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times of scarcity

Times of scarcity need to be met with generosity,
times of fear with comfort,
times of uncertainty with presence.
When we care for those around us,
we create a field of love.

 

Quote: Thomas Hübl
Photo: Matthew T Rader on Unsplash