Illumination

May Thy light shine in our thoughts

May they be illuminated by Thy rays

and may Thy magnificent radiance gladden them

for Thou art the sun that irradiates all.

Ephraim the Syrian

4th century

Photo: the underside of the Mendota Bridge at sunset, taken from near the river boat launch at Fort Snelling State Park at about 4:20 pm on November 28, 2008.

Today I am grateful for: the return of Advent, that countercultural season of prayer and quiet; the invigorating cold weather and snow; the beauty of the browns, coppers, silvers, blues and slanted light at this time of year; my family and friends; my local community and our cozy house, which is for me a beacon of light and warmth; DZ on her 50th birthday and all the good she does in the world; Barbara Brown Taylor's sermons; our St. Joseph Workers.
Holding in prayer: JK, JZ, PM, PC, DN, NS, LG, and all dealing with serious health issues; people feeling frantic and stressed in this hard time; the safety and well-being of Barack Obama and his family; the people of Gulu, Uganda, JN, OF, SK and all immigrants; Archbishop Neinstedt; CK in process toward ordination; WS struggling with emerging insights; interfaith efforts in the Twin Cities; Sisters of St. Joseph in India and Pakistan.

All photographs by Baya Clare, CSJ unless otherwise noted.