Questions & Answers
I think there must have been a crowd that day, full of the varying moods that sway the throng: amusement, curiosity, dull doubt, with here and there the eager, questing heart that lifts itself to hear the angels' song. And, in the midst, the smiling smooth disdain of one who sought to trip the tongue so full of comfort to a world beset, racked with old problems, buffeted with pain.
You gave to Moses the law Upon Sinai mountain. You gave Isaiah his wellspring, To David his fountain; Rescued, refreshed, and transplanted A fugitive nation.
The land of Goshen stirred beneath the rod. Through Moses we were learning more each day About our loving Shepherd—Father, God.
Dear Father-Mother, God, Give me strength, humility, and power That I may behold Thy face And, beholding, Meet the challenge of the hour With God-given grace.
" Ephphatha !" Be opened, Said Jesus, looking up to heaven. And he who had been deaf, with speech impeded, Now heard the Master, and his mandate heeded.
Before him Noah beheld the rising tide, The awful lifting of those mighty waters; And yet he trembled not and at his side His steadfast wife stood with his sons and daughters. In patience, also, each four-footed beast And the two-footed owl and wren and lark.
All that I see, or hear, or feel, With good imbued, Let me acclaim with praise, and seal With gratitude. Let me be swift To know each evil shade unreal: Reverse, replace, completely lift Its weight, and heal.
Truths tenderly told, Love mastering hate, Then Christmas morn we celebrate. To feel the power of Love that frees Turns thought away from Christmas trees.
God answers prayer Of him who rightly prays, And there pours forth a blessing greater far Than all the urgent need Knows how to ask, When childlike trust the anxious pleading stays. Prayer must be true, A deep humility That seeks but to dissolve desire of self, And careful planning for The subtle wish That yields the mortal to divinity.
When Christ rebuked the raging winds and waves There followed a great calm. He caused to cease Not only the strong wind, but its effect Upon the sea.