“May we all find, no matter in what state we are, whether in joy or sorrow, ample reason for faith and hope.”
~ Mother Mary Joseph
“Let no smallest thing in your life be anything but an act of faith.”
~ Mother Mary Joseph
“Ave”
wrinkled face
etched with pain and joy
worn furrows
for laughter and for the tears to freely flow
as the beads count each “Ave”
and the whispered words
rise as incense
flickering candles
that blacken ancient walls
of churches and chapels
of yesterday’s missionaries
dim with the shadows of that past
well worn hands count in rhythm
and dance across the well worn beads
counting—counting—counting
the blessings and the sorrows
faith filled—hope filled
the prayers rise unceasing
the well worn words
in many tongues
flow across the continents
their meaning—the same
and I have the words
I have touched their meaning
I have entered their depths
the beads click—the rythym the same
“Ave”—“Ave”—“Ave”
round mantra—bead blessing
contemplation of the poor
To the Edge
Where does it hurt?
Find that spot
and go there.
Courage will meet you
at the edge of the abyss
where the Wound you thought
would obliterate you
reveals instead
a fathomless
depth
of
Love.
~Sister Elizabeth Terbrock, MM
;
Maryknoll Sisters Hospital, Pusan, Korea
