January 06, 2011, Christianity (85), Food for the Soul (55)
Posted by Wallace+
On this Feast of the Epiphany, I gladly pass along an excerpt from Mary Oliver's "On Thy Wondrous Works I Will Meditate (Psalm 145)". Last night I finished Oliver's collection Thirst and began her latest, Swan.
For me, every reading of Oliver's poetry is an Epiphany:
I know a man of such
mildness and kindness it's trying to
change my life. He does not
preach, teach, but simply is. It is
astonishing, for he is Christ’s ambassador
truly, by rule and act. But, more,
he is kind with the sort of kindness that shines
out, but is resolute, not fooled. He has
eaten the dark hours and could also, I think,
soldier for God, riding out
under the storm clouds, against the world’s pride and unkindness
with both unassailable sweetness, and consoling word.
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Tags: epiphany, mary oliver, poetry
October 13, 2010, Christianity (85), Food for the Soul (55)
Posted by Kimberly Allen
In today's Word from Grace Street, Wallace+ reflects on what St. Paul may have meant when he said, "Pray without ceasing."
"If prayer is response to God, then that opens up a whole universe of
possibilities: Prayer can be a smile; a door held; or word of gratitude uttered.
Prayer can be an anthem; a sermon; or a poem. Prayer can be a meal offered to
someone in need; a letter written on someone's behalf; a session mentoring a
child. Prayer can be a belly laugh; a tear; or a quiet calm. Prayer can be
listening to the wind fluttering through the treetops, as acorns drop on the
roof overhead.
"Indeed, our very life itself can be a prayer."
Click here to read the full message.
Pictured: "The Acorn is Alive," photo by dfanton on stock.xchng.
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Tags: mary oliver, word from grace street