Heaven's Flavours During Isolated Days
Isolation can become one long, sterile yawn or it can become a glorious procession of heavenly flavours. During these weeks after Easter we can look with fresh 'resurrection eyes' upon familiar life. Sally has been my sister for a life-time, but only yesterday did she tell me that for her each day has a distinct light and a special flavour. She sent me a pic of the Easter Garden she had placed in 'the hut' beside the public walkway opposite.
Anne decided to create A Tree of Hope in her garden and emailed friends to contribute a message; she will then post it on Facebook as a messsage of hope in a wounded world. I sent her the poem that introduces my new book Tree of Life (Anamcchara Books New York):
O Christ, the Tree of Life, The blossoms on the branches are your people.
The singing birds are your angels, The whispering breeze is your Spirit.
O Christ, the Tree of Life May the blossoms bring forth the sweetest fruit.
May the birds sing out the highest praise. May your Spirit cover all with her gentle breath.
Finally, Michelle Brown sent this Easter Labyrinth Prayer from Cornwall
Father, you made us travellers in this world,
Set us on a journey – to you.
We stand at the threshold and our steps falter,
We pull back, afraid of commitment.
Which way should we go?
Which path should we choose?
There are obstacles set in our way.
We withdraw, stalk the edges,
As outcasts.
We circle the world,
Looking for a path to you.
Finally our horizon widens,
We see the bigger picture.
We start to notice the blessings on the way,
The detail of other little lives,
For each white stone bears the name
Of a resurrection soul.
And we are all unique,
like every other creature.
Now may we approach our God,
No longer on the gallows tree,
But glowing, like the jewelled Cross –
Sign of eternal life –
Planted in the human soul
To grow within Creation.
And so, our journey through the labyrinth
Of life complete,
We venture forth upon eternity
Towards sweet union with Thee.
Amen.
