Torch By Mrs. Cynthia Searles Ricard, O.P., Ph.D. Too large, this torch, and heavy for my reluctant hand. I may in weakness drop it and lose my shaded way. The course ahead is lengthy, my feet already sore. I now fear something silly: Me! I fear this fire's scorch. "Live on in Me as I do," I try to understand; In this frail house You're dwelling so to ignite my day? My will is cramped and aching, each step is such a chore. Uphold my heart that I may carry this precious torch. I fail. I hurt. I'm dying, yet obey this tough command. The thoughts of quitting are over. It is just as You say: "Apart from Me you do nothing," Your strength into me pour And may the path be endless if lighted by this torch! Others must soon succeed us and briefly now we grieve But You live on, nay: WE live on, to gather lead, relieve. God in Your Eyes By Maria Gervasio Walk with me, oh friend in Christ So together we could " ... set the whole world on fire." Bring a flower of beauty, To a child deserted, alone where malice grows. Child I see God in YOUR eyes! Fetch a meal for the hungry, Bring it up to the mountains where hunger is served. Friend, I see God in YOUR eyes! Lend a hand to the fallen, Kicked down by shame, poverty, injustice and gloom. Friend, I see God in YOUR eyes! Break Bread and drink of the Cup, With neighbors across the street, or across the sea. Friend, I see God in YOUR eyes! Read, shout, or act out The Word Surround the imprisoned with truth and compassion. Friend, I see God in YOUR eyes! Walk on together planting "Seed that is hoarded rots." Our planting field is the heart. One day the blind world will see Light of truth; mercy and love; and God in ALL eyes! Travelers By Mrs. Cynthia Searles Ricard, OP, PhD Satisfaction of doing good work here The thrill of hearing retreatants cheer When our untrained voices blended so well And song's words touched and made our spirits swell How we have shared in one another's lives! Applauding eagerly as each one strives Or, weeping, wiping dry each one's tears Family, if those had need, all these years. Who has known the mind of God in our house? We have. In us incarnate. Beloved Spouse. Departures, arrivals. The deaths. The births. And music woven through our lives on earth. If the future brings us the same and more, Then we'll unfurl our spirits' wings and soar!	Reaching Out By K.A.France-Kelly, O.P. For thirty years and more these robes I wear To praise, to bless, to preach! With love inflame The hearts that yearn and thirst for Jesus' Name; Their daily cross and inner hurts to bear. When I for sick or penitent show care, T'was done for each as Christ had done - the same. Yet down inside I long a bit of fame To soothe a heart with compensation, rare. Comes then a nod in ink or word to say That what was done for them had "made their day." Deep down beneath my shell I sense within The glow from praise for me: quite thick, not thin. These words then done in plain, uncrafted art Rush in and touch this wounded, waiting heart. A Rose (for Maureen) By Mrs. Cynthia Searles Ricard, OP, PhD With hope to earn favor, ("no pain no gain") Investment of time moving inane beads Reflecting on mythological deeds Of one I don't know, yet grew to disdain. Inventing new mysteries to ponder The one who is my "special intention" And persevering in this devotion For one I don't know, yet grow still fonder. Biographical details to me are told. The parallels I cannot help but note. With flood of tears caught tight beneath my throat I pray her name, Shekinah's arms enfold. It has been said true prayer is dangerous: The vortex luring us to the abyss.   Melody By Mrs. Cynthia Searles Ricard, OP, PhD Melody, melody, faithful through all my dissonance Enviously i sulk my harmony while Longing to be the melody. Oh please tune your weak instrument Direct now the song. I am Yearning to hear Thee, Melody. Remembering Cousins By Martha C. Bartholomew, O.P.A. Sinsinawa At the event of an Advent lament When we find we have lost our way May we remember our brother, Bethlehem-born Egypt and Nazareth-raised He who drew near Jerusalem As do we He saw that city, wept, saying ~ "If this day you only knew what makes for peace! It is hidden from your eyes ... Because you do not recognize The time of your visitation." (Luke 19:41-44) May we not miss our visitations ~ The young ones, troubled ~ pregnant with God The old ones in whose wombs there is yet a leaping They come to us as cousins ~ seeking Having given their "Yes!" to angels Discerning - asking ~ listening for their song. Who are they who come? An Elizabeth, each one needs One who welcomes, listens hears into voice One who travels as do we, the road Which beckons our weary feet Toward Bethlehem Torn as it is Still we must go - Who are they who come? A Mary, each one needs To midwife life coming to term At whatever age. The Word presses to birth, unique to our stories. For us each ~ our prayer: May I remain watching for Glory, Expecting the Angel around every bend Knowing my cousin, my friend Will come ~ will come knocking, knocking, knocking In every person I am to meet. Amen. Cousins are what we are When we meet as Elizabeths or Marys And when we embrace We enfold the inside story of the greatest Of family reunions. May we not miss our visitations For ifwe do we will have missed - The Angel The Road The God-dream for peace To be found and kept By our generation.