Every Face I Look At

Every Face I Look at Seems Beautiful -- the title alone is worth contemplating, and the post by Lissa is a treasure. The comments are fascinating, too. I have only just skimmed them because I am still trying to stay off blogs for Lent, but I am looking forward to browsing through next week when we have our spring break.

I came to Lissa's post by way of Amy's at Epiphany Springs; Amy with her thorough-going honesty brought up some questions she has about just HOW to cultivate patience, particularly in a houseful of high-needs kids. There are interesting comments there, too.

I hope you are having a blessed Triduum. Speaking of beauty in a face -- we participated in our tiny local church's Way of the Cross on Good Friday yesterday, and this meditation and prayer by Pope Benedict XVI particularly struck me:

From the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. 53:2-3

He had no form or comeliness that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

From the Book of Psalms. 27:8-9

You have said, “Seek my face”. My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek”. Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Cast me not off, forsake me not, O God of my salvation.

Lord, grant us restless hearts, hearts which seek your face. Keep us from the blindness of heart which sees only the surface of things. Give us the simplicity and purity which allow us to recognize your presence in the world. When we are not able to accomplish great things, grant us the courage which is born of humility and goodness. Impress your face on our hearts. May we encounter you along the way and show your image to the world.

This evening we have the privilege of participating in an Easter Vigil mass up at our "station church" -- this is a first and we are looking forward to it. My daughter will be cantoring, and my two sons will be altar servers and help light the candles for our procession into the church (actually a chapel).

My oldest son Liam is spending the Triduum and Easter at a Benedictine monastery in Oklahoma with some other students on retreat, discerning his vocation. Please pray for his discernment and safe travels and for all of us, and I will be praying for you.