One Sound
I thought it was a good idea to bring the painting of pregnant Mary to Dayspring. It was the beginning of the season of Advent, a time of spiritual gestation, and I had been invited to lead the silent retreat for Dayspring Church. This print hangs in my home. She’s great with child all year round. I’m always […]
Courage Unparalleled – Dec. 24, 2021
She did not cry, ‘I cannot. I am not worthy,’Nor, ‘I have not the strength.’She did not submit with gritted teeth, raging, coerced.Bravest of all humans, consent illumined her.The room filled with its light,the lily glowed in it, and the iridescent wings.Consent, courage unparalleled,opened her utterly. –Denise Levertov, from her poem Annunciation
The Scene – Dec. 20, 2021
We know the scene: the room, variously furnished, almost always a lectern, a book; alwaysthe tall lily.Arrived on solemn grandeur of great wings,the angelic ambassador, standing or hovering,whom she acknowledges, a guest. But we are told of meek obedience. No one mentionscourage.The engendering Spiritdid not enter her without consent.God waited. She was freeto accept or […]
Annunciation
by Denise Levertov We know the scene: the room, variously furnished, almost always a lectern, a book; alwaysthe tall lily.Arrived on solemn grandeur of great wings,the angelic ambassador, standing or hovering,whom she acknowledges, a guest. But we are told of meek obedience. No one mentionscourage.The engendering Spiritdid not enter her without consent.God waited. She was […]