Mary Magdalene of the Heart, by Tanya Torres

Love is Alive;

Peace is Possible

In the moment of speaking and seeing, in the moment of revelation and connection, here is a passing on, an apostolic ministry, that goes to Mary Magdalene. Jesus sees her, and knows who she is, and whose she is (John 20:11-18).

Tell Them

Breaking through the powers of darkness

bursting from the stifling tomb

he slipped into the graveyard garden

to smell the blossomed air.

Tell them, Mary, Jesus said,

that fear will flee my light

that though the ground will tremble

and despair will stalk the earth

I hold them firmly by the hand

through terror to new birth.

Tell them, Mary, Jesus said,

the globe and all that’s made

is clasped to God’s great heart

they must not be afraid.

Tell them, Mary, Jesus said,

smelling the blossomed air,

tell my people to rise with me

to heal the Earth’s despair.

Edwina Gateley(adapted)

GOD’S EMBRACE IN THE CRAZY

Creator-Beloved,

It’s a crazy-hectic time:

that end-of-year train

that hurtles through

the final weeks as if

careering down a

mountain track

without brakes.

Amid unrelenting demands,

Keep me calm and steady.

Renew my energy,

sharpen my mind.

Let me not

miss moments of beauty;

or forget how blessed I am.

Help me focus even as tasks

fly like furies to my in-box.

But for now

on this Friday afternoon

Just deep gratitude.

You draw me

into the quiet depths,

as a smooth stone carressed

by gentle waves.

You enfold me in your arms.

and I let go control -

surrender to your care

I hear you say:

“It’s ok - pause, breathe.

I’ve got you!”

(Annemarie Paulin-Campbell)