Once a month I meet with a group of friends and colleagues for a midweek lunch and discussion of where things are in the world, particularly this peculiar corner of it. At the close of it we use the mid-day office of the Northumbrian Community. We don't meet over the summer, but on Sunday past 2 friends on either side of the Atlantic posted a prayer that is part of that liturgy, a prayer by Teresa of Avila. Personally, it could not be more timely, for reasons that those who know me well will come to know in due course, but in the midst of an, at times, frightening world, it is appropriate for all of us:
'Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing afright you,
All things are passing:
God never changes.'
St. Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)
Don't often post other people's stuff here... But I found this so powerful that I thought I should. It's a performance poem based on John 4: 4-30, and I have attached the original YouTube video below. A word for women, and men, everywhere... "to be known is to be loved, and to be loved is to be known." I am a woman of no distinction of little importance. I am a women of no reputation save that which is bad. You whisper as I pass by and cast judgmental glances, Though you don’t really take the time to look at me, Or even get to know me. For to be known is to be loved, And to be loved is to be known. Otherwise what’s the point in doing either one of them in the first place? I WANT TO BE KNOWN. I want someone to look at my face And not just see two eyes, a nose, a mouth and two ears; But to see all that I am, and could be all my hopes, loves and fears. But that’s too much to hope for, to wish for, or pray for So I don’t, not anymore. Now I keep to myself And by that
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