May the sun bring you new energy by day, may the moon softly restore you by night, may the rain wash away your worries, may the breeze blow new strength into your being–Apache Blessing
I got this today from Gratefulness.org. It was just what I needed. I began my day running four miles on the track behind the school I work at. It was a beautiful morning and I like the contemplative setting of running just before dawn. It is the time of day during which some monastics begin their days also. Running is spiritual. A bit cathartic, a bit contemplative, it is time for prayer and reflection. It is a quiet time that I need and crave. I much prefer to run in the low light of the pre-dawn than the artificial light of the indoor track in a nearby gymnasium. I really can’t explain why I prefer the darkness to the light at that time of day. I find a peace that surpasses understanding. As I ran I encountered one other soul on the track. I know that she is the pastor a local church. As I run past her I wonder is she praying also and for what. Are we both praying for peace. Will there be peace? Does anyone really care? News today of 69 dead American soldiers in Iraq this month. News last week of 655,000 dead Iraqis as a result of the illegal American invasion and occupation of Iraq. In the mail comes “Catholic Worker” with a headline proclaiming “U.S. War Against Iraq is a Mortal Sin.” My mind is full of all these thoughts and through them all comes “Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us sinners, now and at that hour of our death. Amen”. Will the intercession of this Woman Clothed with the Sun bring peace to our world? Ave Maria, gratia plena. Peace.
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