Pax et Bonum

The Online worship resource for St. James Parish

July 21, 2010

I am the rain
Coming from the dew
That causes the graces to laugh
With the joy of life.
---Hildegard of Bingen---
He will turn her deserts into an Eden
And her wastelands in the garden of Yahweh.
Joy and gladness will be found in her,
Thanksgiving and the sound of music.
---Isaiah 51:3---

Rain

After last winter and spring, I thought I’d be happy to have no rain until at least December, but in these hot summer days, the need for refreshment has been painfully obvious. The dry ground cries out for water, the plants wilt, our pets spend more time indoors, and outdoor activities are confined to early morning or evening.

We have had a bit of refreshment in the last few weeks – a day, an hour of rain, which has helped to renew the parched ground. Sometimes it seems as if we cannot get enough of it. I find myself looking up at the sky, hoping that bank of clouds over there will begin to turn black, and tell us that a good rain is on the way.

The replenishment that the earth receives from a good soaking reminds me of what we often need as human beings: time to relax, and regroup; time for rekindling, restoration. How often do we go on vacation, and it becomes a stressful experience, as we work to meet the expectations of our family? I have the habit of placing undue stress upon myself, working hard to keep everyone happy, and usually the end result is that no one is, particularly me.

As you continue through this summer, follow the patterns of creation, and how it reacts to the healing rain. Ponder what it is that would nourish your soul and spirit. Is it time away? Retreat? Time in prayer? Or simply time at home with no schedule to keep?

I hope you are able to find a place of springs, a well of Spirit-filled water to drink from. May the rest of your summer include time for rejuvenation.

Gracious God,
Lead me into an Eden
Where my life can be restored
Into a garden of promise,
Where you create
A new world for me.
---Wayne Simsic---

Daily Morning and Evening Prayer

Daily Morning and Evening Prayer

This Week at St. James

Note: I will be on vacation for a few weeks, so Pax et Bonum will be on hiatus until August 25. Blessings!

Prayers Etc.

For those on our prayer list:

In Closing:

I beseech you, merciful God,
To allow me to drink from the stream
Which flows from your fountain of life.
May I taste the sweet beauty of its waters,
Which spring from the very depths of your truth.
---Columbanus---

Pax et Bonum,
Loree+

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