Skip to main content

Day 189: Je Suis Paris

"The continual looking forward to the eternal world is not a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do"
-C S Lewis

Read more at http://www.beliefnet.com/Quotes/Evangelical/C/C-S-Lewis/The-Continual-Looking-Forward-To-The-Eternal-World.aspx#Uf51ewTZgvlefzm5.99
 
 
 
I am so glad today was Saturday. My heart was heavy after the news of the violence in France yesterday.  Mass was where I wanted to be.

Saturday mass at St. Ignatius Catholic church is a small, but very devout prayerful group.  We prayed for the victims in France.  We prayed for violence to cease and suffering to end all over the world. Then we joined hands and recited the Lord's prayer.

When it was time to pass the peace we hugged.  Everyone's eyes were filled with tears.

I walked for awhile afterwards.  Crying.  It felt good to let it out.  Every time an act of violence erupts, I grieve. And then I want to be a better, kinder person.  But after the dust settles, I know that in a few weeks, days or maybe even hours we will hear about another senseless act of violence against the innocent. 

And the cycle begins again. But for some people, the dust never settles. 

I hope to remember this and keep giving, keep praying keep loving.  Keep hoping for a better world.

Today, there was a female lay minister presiding over Mass.  She is so wonderful.  Her messages are kind, well thought out and always appropriate. She always remembers my name. 

She spoke today about constant prayer. About how we needn't fear pestering God. He is so much bigger than that.

She ended by saying "We do have the power to pray for our brothers and sister around the world. One weapon we have against evil is kindness. We can be the light in the darkness".


Praying.  Maybe not without ceasing. But a lot.

For peace. For France.  For all who suffer.


And continually having faith in love and kindness. And willing to work for a better tomorrow.


Talk to you tomorrow.

I hope you had a good Saturday!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Day 347: My Big Fat Greek Salad!!

I have perfected the art of making a Greek salad!  I have made two huge bowls in the last week. My kinds rave. Essentially the secret is f vegetables , good feta cheese, Greek olives and a homemade dressing made with light, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar,  and oregano. Here is my recipe: MY BIG FAT GREEK SALAD Serves 4 hungry adults 4 cups greens (I used a "spring mix" from Fred Meyer) 2 cucumbers 6 roma tomatoes one small red onion 1 cup cubed feta cheese 1 cup Greek olives (pitted) Get out a big bowl. Peel a clove of garlic, cut in half and rub it over the interior of the bowl.  Wash the lettuce if it is not prewashed and packaged like mine was.  Dry the leaves, and tear into bite sized pieces. Throw into the big bowl. Note: Romaine lettuce is good to include in the mix, because it is hearty. Peel the cucumbers and dice. Add to bowl. Cut the roma tomatoes in half and squeeze out the seeds (otherwise they make th...
Post a Comment
Read more

Year Two, Day 307: Chasing Away The Gloomy Weather...with Music and a Smile! :)

It seems to me that most of the city is depressed, tired and sick. I still have my low grade snuffly nose, along with sneezing, and itching eyes.  Low energy. It is nice to know I am not the only one. Misery loves company, don't you know! Even through the gloom, I had an enjoyable day.  I told myself several times that I really am a lucky woman. My kids are grown, I'm going to be a GRANDMA, and I love my work. My church job is a nice secure little job and it seems I am quite needed there.  I am still learning the ropes. But I am enjoying it. Meeting new people. And best of all, I have only a 1 1/2 minute commute (by foot!). I have a cozy little room in a household full of wonderful laid back people.  People who love animals and music. But best of all, my afternoons are filled with music. I basically get on the bus and travel about town, sitting at pianos, visiting with students, who are like my family. We talk. They play the piano for me. I offer pointe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Year Two, Day 50: Mindful Biking

More breaking ground today. I rode my bike to the Max, and then to my first student, who coincidentally lives close to my gym.  Maggie waiting patiently for me at the gym, 6/28/2016 I am starting to notice positive changes from my daily biking.  First of all, I feel such a sense of freedom and exhiliration when I hop on and take off.  It reminds me of my childhood. My brother and I rode all over Vancouver, WA on summer break.  It was my first experience of independence from a rather harsh father.  Back then we didn't wear helmets. And there were many hills. I will never forget the joy of coasting down a hill with the wind in my hair. I have hints of the feeling now. I also have noticed my energy is higher. And although I am sore (cycling uses muscles that I have not worked in awhile), I am getting stronger. Feeling strong! Cycling is also good for my mind. I find myself going through routes in my head. I am hoping to add more routes to my day...
Post a Comment
Read more