Dear All,
By this stage in July and given the extraordinary heat we have had now for several weeks, I imagine we are all thinking ‘summer’ so this week that is our theme. Looking at different possibilities I was struck by the repetition of ‘listen to……..’ For many people that is what you need to do in summer – to listen to everything around you as well of course to those around you. We hope these pieces help you to relax & listen.
Our blessing this week is a gaelic one, and is Libera’s ‘Deep Peace’ – we hope you enjoy it & that it brings you and your family deep peace.
With love each of you
A reminder – no zoomed Evening Prayer on Sunday 19, Monday 20, Thursday 23, Friday 24 (just community) or Sunday 26. Starting again on Monday 27. Also no Evening Prayer in Blessed Sacrament on Tuesday 21 or Wed 22. Starting again on Tuesday 28.
Come Summer With Me
Come summer with me, Lord;
summer deep down in my soul;
restore my faith in summer’s time,
in rest, in joy, in play, in you…
Summer in my heart, Lord,
and dwell there
as if time would never end,
as if all time were children’s time, eternal time
when school is always out and joy is ever in…
And let others summer in my shade, Lord,
and share whatever summer’s peace is mine to give,
whatever summer’s light is mine to shed,
whatever summer’s warmth is mine to share…
Good God of every season and every day this week,
come summer with me, Lord, and let the child in my heart
spend this summer in your love…
Amen.
Austin Fleming
Listening to Summer – Macrina Wiederkehr
Out of her pastel green pitcher spring is pouring forth summer, and I am listening. Out of her youthful, energetic body summer is flowing, and I am listening.
I am listening.
I am listening to Earth leaning closer to the sun. I am listening to the heat breathing through the gardens, drawing life out of seeds, calling plants to fruition, whispering fulfilment to the flowers. I am listening to the growing circle of life.
I am listening.
I am listening to the ripening in the orchards, in the vineyards, in the garden, in the grain fields, I am listening to the ripening in my heart.
I am listening.
I am listening to the summer of my soul, to the dance of life within me, to the fruitful struggle of all that yearns for life, to the perspiration that sweats out toxic poisons. I am listening to the warmth of summer.
I am listening.
I am listening to summer songs of leisure and renewal. I am listening to the sound of happy voices playing on the beaches, shouting at the ball games, sharing stories on the porches….
I am listening.
Little Summer Mary Oliver
Every summer I listen and look
under the sun’s brass and even
in the moonlight, but I can’t hear anything, I can’t see anything—not the pale roots digging down,
nor the green stalks muscling up, nor the leaves
deepening their damp pleats, nor the tassels making,
nor the shucks, nor the cobs.
And still, every day, the leafy fields
grow taller and thicker—
green gowns lifting up in the night, showered with silk.
And so, every summer, I fail as a witness, seeing nothing—
I am deaf too to the tick of the leaves,
the tapping of downwardness from the banyan feet—
all of it – happening beyond all seeable proof, or hearable hum.
And, therefore, let the immeasurable come.
Let the unknowable touch the buckle of my spine.
Let the wind turn in the trees, and the mystery hidden in dirt swing through the air.
How could I look at anything in this world and tremble, and grip my hands over my heart? What should I fear?
One morning in the leafy green ocean
the honeycomb of the corn’s beautiful body is sure to be there.
The Blessings of Summertime
Joy, love, peace and safety – helping others enjoy the blessings of the summertime.
During these months of summer and vacation days grant us refreshment of mind and body as we enjoy the warm days of summertime. Jesus, thank you for Summer. Thank you for light and warmth. Thank you for the sun.