Monday Morning Offering: /14

Morning Coffee by George Mendoza

Good morning, good God!

 

I'm back from my summer sojourn, Lord, 

first to the mountains and then to the sea,

and I noticed upon my return

that already you've begun

to put your brush to your palette,

giving us all a preview of your color scheme

for this fall's leafy fashion show...

 

Summer's barely gone

but autumn hastens now 

to follow her on stage

in a riot of colors:

bright, muted, glowing, speckled,  

purpled, brushed and burnished

by the artistry, the eye divine,

the glory of your grace...

 

Seasons change

and seasons change 

and season come and go

and season come again

and seasons change

and something in me longs

to stall the seasons changing:

to stay the summer's end

and hold back the dying 

bound to come each time this year

when the sunlight plays 

its game of hide and seek...

 

But this is fall's time, Lord:

when a nip in the air quickens my step and pace;

when barren branches scratch their prayers 

across a harvest moon;

when autumn's rare, spare beauty      

whispers psalms of praise 

within my heart...

 

Inside and out, Lord,

my soul and body stand between the seasons:

no change in nature’s phases fails 

to change in turn 

the seasons of my heart… 

 

The rhythms of creation, 

of suns and planets, moons and tides 

all echo in my heart and my soul knows 

how all that lives must die

and how all that dies will rise again 

when comes that last and longed-for spring 

that has no end,

that will not change

but will remain 

when I forever live in you

as you, Lord,

live now in me... 

 

Without grieving an hour's sunlight

or the joy of a warm day's kiss,

while holding close the memories

of rolling seas and mountain heights,

walk me into fall, Lord,

with autumn's leafy glory dropping down, 

gently - a russet carpet - a path for me 

to walk from summer into fall,

from season into season,

from change to change

until all things, all times, all life

converges to be one in you

my ever changeless 

ever loving,

ever living God...

 

Help me let go, Lord, 

what I hold too tightly,
what cannot last the whole year through
and let my empty arms embrace 

and trust 

that even in the changes,

in the falling, 

in the dying, 

- you are with me -

present and abiding in the seasons 

all the seasons

of my life...

 

Receive my prayer today, Lord,   

an offering of the seasons

that turn and change 

and age me:

these seasons of your mercy,

these seasons of your grace

these seasons marking all the years

I live and grow in you...

   
Amen.

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$5,000 for your vote: a theological perspective

 

Among the many online sites I visit daily, one of the most valuable is Arthur Holquin's substack: Liturgy and Life  Here you'll find wise commentary on the juncture of worship, belief and daily life - in equal parts probing and sobering. 

 

No surprise, then, that Msgr. Holquin has weighed in sagely on Trump's offer of checks in the amount of $5,000 made out to those who vote Republican in the upcoming midterm elections. 

 

Take a few minutes and follow the link in the previous paragraph.  I guarantee you'll be glad you did.

 

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A royal funeral - and a song...

The image above is crown of the King of Norway - until very recently worn by King Harald V.

King Harald died on August 28, 2026.  I've only recently come across video of his funeral, celebrated in the Evangelical-Lutheran communion.  The liturgy is stately, solemn and beautiful in every way. The musical selections are superb. You can see all the funeral rites including a lengthy procession to the church in this video (skip to 2:49:00 for where the procession reaches and enters the church).

In particular, however, I want to draw your attention to one song, Abide With Me, composed in 1847 by Henry Francis Lyte. It's a hymn I'm familiar with but to which I've never paid much attention - until now.  

 

The arrangement here is by Norwegian musician and composer Lars Andreas Aspesæter.  This setting of a 19th century hymn tune is faithful to the original but deeply textured by more contemporary, soulful themes.  Part of the success here is its performance by the Oslo Cathedral Choir and Filipino-Norwegian solist, Hilari Alison. I wondered, when listening, if Aspesæter wrote this arrangement specifically for these voices - so perfect is the match.

 

I hope the video below and the lyrics below will lift you up in prayer today...

 

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Abide with me: fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away.
Change and decay in all around I see.
O thou who changest not, abide with me.

I need thy presence every passing hour.
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like thyself my guide and strength can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, O abide with me.

I fear no foe with thee at hand to bless,
ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes.
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee;
in life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.

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Pause for Prayer: SATURDAY 9/12

If you don't find yourself in this morning's prayer

    - then thank God and pray for those who do...

Lord,
    for all who struggle through this day,
        I pray you soften its rough edges...

For all who will grieve a loss today,
    I pray you lift their spirits with your grace...

For all who will find today a long day, Lord
    help them pass the time in peace...

For all who may be lonely today,
    open wide your heart to them and theirs to you...

For all who will be anxious today,
    calm their fears and ease their worries...

For all who find today a dark day,
    let your light pierce through the shadows...

For all who will feel empty today,
    fill their hearts with simple gifts of joy...

For all who may find it hard to hope today,
    refresh their trust and  confidence in you...

And for any who find today their last day,
    lead them gently home, Lord, 

        to your everlasting arms...

Amen.

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NIGHT PRAYER: Friday 9/11

Two options for prayer this evening... First, a Prayer for First Responders.  While 9/11 is a sad and tragic memory for most of us, first responders live in anticipation of just such danger as part of their daily lives...  Second, a Prayer for Peace in Our World and in Our Hearts...

 

A Prayer for First Responders

 

Twenty-five years ago today, Lord, 

    in New York City, Washington, DC 

       and Shanksville, PA, 

first responders rushed into harm's way,     

    putting their lives on the line

        to save the lives of strangers...

And first responders stand bravely tonight

    in the face of enemies, accidents and fire,

        tsunamis,  tornadoes and landslides, 

            earthquakes, avalanches, 

               hurricanes and floods,

putting their lives on the line 

    for sisters and brothers 

        threatened by war and natural disaster 

    by the loss of their homes and belongings,

        indeed, the loss of their lives...

 

Among all who perished on 9/11,
    we remember these brave and selfless souls 

        in our moments of silence,  

        in our tributes and song, 

        in our prayer together this night...

 

Hear our prayer for the women and men 

    who willingly put their lives on the line,

as you have taught us, Lord:

    no love greater than this is known

        than to lay down one's life for a friend...

 

Watch over those, Lord, who, night and day,  

    spend their lives protecting ours: 

be their courage, their shield and strength

    and hold them close within your arms

        in your loving, strong embrace...

Protect us all while we're awake
    and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with Christ
    and asleep, rest in his peace...

Amen. 

There Is No Greater Love

    by Michael Joncas 

 

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There is no greater love, says the Lord,

there is no greater love, says the Lord,

there is no greater love, no greater love

than to lay down your life for a friend

 

As the Father has loved me,
so I have loved you.
Live on in my love.
You will live in my love
if you keep my commands,
even as I have kept my Father's.

All this I tell you that my joy may be yours
and your joy may be complete.
Love one another as I have loved you:
This is my command.

You are my friends
if you keep my commands,
no longer slaves but friends to me.
All I heard from my Father,
I have made known to you:
Now I call you friends.

It was not you who chose me,
it was I who chose you,
chose you to go forth and bear fruit
Your fruit must endure, so you will receive
all you ask the Father in my name.

   

 

A Prayer for Peace in the World 

   and in Our Hearts...

 

We pray for peace in the world, Lord,

    the world you created, the world you gave us,

        the world entrusted to our care...

We pray for an end to the scourge of war,
    terrorism, violence and bloodshed

        and to all the ways, great and small,

           that we fail to love our neighbor...

 

We pray for those who have died in war,

    especially those who died in their youth
        and for all those who grieve their loss... 

 

We pray for the safety of those in harm's way,
    far from home, their families and friends

        and we pray for their safe return...

We pray for all the innocent poor

    who suffer most keenly the hardship of war:

        the victims of battles that others wage...

 

We pray, too, for our enemies, Lord:

    turn their hearts and ours to thoughts of peace

        and freedom for all your people...

       
We pray for peace at our borders, Lord,
    and at borders around the world:

        tear down the walls we build in our hearts...

We pray for peace among all your people:

     we're brothers and sisters all,

        no matter our race, our color or creed...

      
We pray for peace in our cities, Lord,

    for an end to violence ruling our streets,

        the pandemic of deadly arms...

We pray for peace in our nation, Lord,

    and for truth and wisdom to guide the way

        in our politics, left and right...

     
We pray for peace in our broken Church,

    for the healing of those who've been abused,

        for your Spirit to cleanse and mend us all...

We pray for a peaceful coming together

     of all who profess their faith and belief

        in your power, divine and holy...

We pray for peace in our daily lives

    with those whom we make our enemies,

        with those who make us their foes...

We pray, Lord, for peace in those hidden places,

    where we're often at war with ourselves,

        in our minds, our thoughts and our hearts...

We pray for peace, for healing and wholeness
    for all who live with depression,

        with anxiety, worry and fear...

We pray for peace in those places, Lord,
    where only you can understand

        how deep is our need for your presence...

We pray for that peace we can't make ourselves,
    the peace, Lord, that comes from you alone,

        the peace of your mercy and grace...

Protect us, Lord, while we're awake
    and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
    and asleep, rest in your peace...

 

And two options for music after this prayer: first, a four minute recording of the wind-powered bells in the memorial tower at Shanksville; and second, Philip Young's setting of Jesus' words, "Peace I leave with you..."

    

The  Bell Tower at Shanksville 

 

 

Bell Tower, Shanksville, PA 

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Peace I Leave With You 

    by Philip M. Young

 

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Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give to you. 

 

Let not your heart be troubled,

neither let it be afraid. 

 

Peace I leave with you,

my peace I give to you. 

    

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Rosh Hoshana

Almighty God, 

our refuge and our strength,
we turn to you as a new year begins

as we once again witness 

the rising of conflict
and the fear laid upon ordinary lives.

 

Trusting in your steadfast love,
we hold before you our friends and partners 

across the Middle East,
in communities already stretched 

beyond endurance.

Surround them with your protection.
Be a fortress for those who cannot flee
and a shield for those whose work

is to heal and to hope.

 

We remember before you 

all whose hearts are filled with dread today
and whose future feels unbearably fragile.

Do not let the innocent be swept away
by the decisions of the powerful.

Break the bow and shatter the spear.

 

Open paths for wisdom, restraint, and justice
where none seem possible.

Give courage to peacemakers
and clarity to those who speak truth.

 

Let your peace take root
in scorched and fearful places.

Keep our hearts from despair
and teach us to stand with those who suffer,
to pray without ceasing
and to hope, even now,

and in the new year, 

in your redeeming mercy and love.

 

Amen.

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9/11... 25 years later

On this 25th anniversary of 9/11, I'm offering several starting points for our prayer and reflection.  

 

1) The homily I preached on the 10th anniversary when it fell on a Sunday.

2) A Pause for Prayer in the usual format

3) "When Sudden Terror Tears Apart," a hymn written by Carl Daw just after 9/11/2001

 

Homily 9/11/11

It was a beautiful, bright-skyed September morning and as I left Our Lady’s Church after Mass, Ann Gallagher stopped me and told me a plane had flown into the World Trade Center.

On the way back to the rectory, I remember thinking that the news was probably exaggerated, that some small aircraft, off its flight plan, might have nearly clipped the Tower but certainly hadn’t flown into it.

(Confronted with tragedy, the mind and spirit will often rush to recalculate the facts in an effort to make them fit a more comfortable framework, a more acceptable reality.)

But the news and Ann’s report of it were accurate, even if incomplete: not one but two planes in New York - and another in Shanksville and another in Arlington.

The most painful moments in our lives are often those that bring us to God.

When our eyes can’t believe what they see, and our ears can't believe what they hear;  when our souls are too small to hold the grief that fills them, when our hearts are too angry for any peace to enter; when no recalculation of the facts can stand up to the tragedy before us - we often turn to the Lord: hoping that through his eyes we might see something different, something brighter; that in his arms our hurt and grief might find healing; that in his heart we might savor some moments of longed for peace.

But often enough, in just such times, the Lord calls us to a further recalculation.

He doesn’t ask us to re-imagine our reality but rather, to recalculate our response to it.

As he does in the scriptures today.

The Word today addresses the minds and hearts of people who are unjustifiably wronged, angry, hurt, grieving, wrathful and vengeful.

The Lord knows well what they’ve suffered and yet he calls them to recalculate not their reality - but their response to it.

He tells them,
Let go your anger and hate 

    - don’t hold on to them.
Vengeance is mine to take, says the Lord 

    - not yours.
Forgive those who have treated you unjustly. 

    Forgive them!
If you want your heart healed

    - don’t feed it with anger.
If you want to be forgiven

    - pardon those who have offended you.

Hard sayings, indeed. And our first response might be to try to soften the hard saying. "I don’t think God means that in THIS situation!" But yes, in every situation God is ready to forgive  and calls on us to be merciful, too.
 

But some things just can’t be forgiven!
Not so.
All wrongs, and therefore any wrong, can be forgiven, even the most heinous.

I can’t accept the evil that was done!
Of course not - we should never accept evil. The Lord doesn’t ask us to condone or accept any wrong-doing, but the Lord does ask us to accept, to forgive the neighbor who wronged us, just as the Lord accepts and forgives us
when we offend him.

How will the Lord’s Word today help us recalculate our response when someone wrongs us?

Let me suggest, it’s probably best not to start by trying to love Al Queda or the 19 terrorists who executed the horror of 9/11.

Better to start closer to home - although this might be more difficult.

I need to learn to forgive the family member or neighbor, the friend or colleague or schoolmate who wronged me, hurt me, betrayed me, cheated me, abandoned me...

I need to find a place in my heart for someone I’ve kicked out of my heart, even a place for those who've kicked me out of their hearts.

I need to find compassion and understanding for those who have hurt me, just the kind of compassion and understanding I hope to find when I’ve hurt someone else.

I need to find a place in my heart to forgive as I have been forgiven.

I need to learn that when I forgive someone who has offended me, the first person who is freed of the burden of the offense - is me. I let it go.

It’s easy to believe that the greater the wrong done to us, the more leeway is ours for anger and vengeance. But the Lord calls us to a much higher standard.
The greater the harm done, the greater the love the Lord calls us to offer. And the standard for such love is the Cross of Jesus on which the most Innocent of all laid down his life for all of us, sinners.

As he gave himself for us on the Cross, so he gives himself to us at this table, on the altar of the Eucharist, where, from his heart, he forgives us, his brothers and sisters, and calls us to forgive one another.
 
 

Pause for Prayer

 

Gracious God,

All good gifts come from your hand:
    into our clumsy grasp
    you entrust the precious realities
    of life, justice and peace.

We remember this day
    how fragile is the gift of peace
    and how vulnerable are we
    in each other’s hands.

We remember those who died
    and those who mourn their loss...

We remember those whose courage
    gave us a new model for bravery...

We remember those who gave their lives
    in their selfless efforts to save others...

We remember that day, that sunny morning
    when the borders of our nation
    were broken through 

    to the depths of our hearts...

We remember and we pray
    for the healing and peace
    that only you can give,
    that you call us to share...

Bring us to the day, O God,
    when war is but a memory
    and peace our way of life...

Bring us to the day, O God,
    when the harvest of justice
    will nourish the people of all nations...

Hasten the advent of that day, O God
    and let our pride not stand in its way... 

 

Give us peace, O God,

    the peace for which we pray,

    the peace for which we plead,

    the peace that's only yours to give...

Amen.

 

When Sudden Terror Tears Apart by Carl Daw 

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When sudden terror tears apart
the world we thought was ours,
we find how fragile strength can be,
how limited our powers.

As tower and fortress fall, we watch
with disbelieving stare
and numbly hear the anguished cries 
that pierce the ash-filled air.

Yet most of all we are aware
of emptiness and void:
of lives cut short, of structures razed,
of confidence destroyed.

From this abyss of doubt and fear
we grope for words to pray,
and hear our stammering tongues embrace
a timeless Kyrie.

Have mercy, Lord, give strength and peace,
and make our courage great;
restrain our urge to seek revenge,
to turn our hurt to hate.

Help us to know your steadfast love, 
your presence near as breath;
rekindle in our hearts the hope
of life that conquers death.

Rev. Carl P. Daw, Jr. wrote this hymn to commemorate the terrorist attack on the World Trade 
Center towers and the Pentagon September 11.  (Hope Publishing Co.) 

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