By Faith Flaherty, O.P.
I sit in the kitchen reading the Word
husband treads the path from stove to table.
his quick eyes check out my coffee cup—
down enough to warm up.
he's buttered my toast and flipped my eggs
to greet the morning and me.
praise God for good cooks and thoughtful lovers;
thank you, I pray with full mouth.
hhrrmmpphh! he snaps the Globe open
looking over the paper and
into my heart with laughing eyes
and no words spoken.
By Faith Flaherty, O.P.
handcuffs, ankle shackles, lowered head
hiding the shame of Adan and Eve;
he saw me looking at the accouterments
of embarrassment, red handed guilt and shame;
no need of words, lies, stories, excuses—
blame will come later and forever;
and I struggled for appropriate words
to say… at that moment:
condemnation, encouragement, repentance,
what if...
who...
and why...
I'm sorry.
Finally, fast words exploded "God is Good!"
The air was shattered; the birds stopped singing,
traffic stopped; and the present moment paused.
"All the time." he whispered in prayer.
BE-ATTITUDES
By Sr. Brenda Walsh, O.P.
Loving God,
enshrine Yourself in My heart.
Fill me with BE-ATTITUDES
that reflect your face
in our dark and wounded world.
Holy God,
free me from ME-ATTITUDES,
from deep delusions
of self-importance, self-concern,
self-contentment in my comfort-zone.
Merciful God,
fill me with WE-ATTITUDES.
Help each of us to see your Kingdom
as close as a brother or sister
struggling for the very breath of life.
Jubilant God,
Bless us with your pulsating Word.
Make us holy through and through.
Shine through our masks and glib answers.
Send us forth in Spirit power
TO PRAISE, TO BLESS, TO PREACH
