The Church Mouse

He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves; their … Read more

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. (Philippians 2: 14, 15) “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. “(Philippians 4:8) “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7) I have had a … Read more

Star of Wonder, Star of Night,     Star with Royal Beauty bright,             Westward leading,             Still proceeding,     Guide us to Thy perfect Light. (as printed in Hopkins, Carols, Hymns, and Songs, 1st ed., 1863)   Today is Epiphany.  The day in the church calendar year where we celebrate the Magi coming to Bethlehem to honor Jesus after following a star ‘in the East’ for many years.  I don’t know how many Christmas pageants that I’ve participated in where the 3 Kings had star billing.  In my head I can see the 3 boys with paper crowns and some … Read more

Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall— Matthew … Read more

I saw raindrops on the window, Joy is like the rain. Laughter runs across my pane, Slips away and comes again, Joy is like the rain.   I saw raindrops on the river, Joy is like the rain. Bit by bit the river grows, Till all at once it overflows. Joy is like the rain. ~ Sr. Miriam Therese Winter   That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of … Read more

 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.  At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21: 25-28 “Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My”.  The Wizard of … Read more

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “What is truth?” retorted Pilate.  (John 13: 37,38). “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13: 34) This week I have been following two news items:  the Kyle Rittenhouse trial and the petition of a number of Canadian veterans to have Jess Randall Larochelle … Read more