Readings for the Day
The Feast of St. Stephen
Jeremiah 26:1-9,12-15
Psalm 31
Acts 6:8-7:2a, 51c-60
Matthew 23:34-39
Collect for the Day
We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
❄︎
Sonnet for St. Stephen’s Day
when it comes time for me to say goodbye
and take my leave from those I dearly love,
i pray that you would grant to my heart’s eye
a reassuring glimpse of christ above,
standing by your throne with arms stretched wide
to speak your peace, to dry my falling tears,
reminding me of why he lived and died
and rose again to banish our worst fears.
or do you grant such favors to a few
whose faces shine like heaven’s angels bright
whose spiritual wisdom keeps them true —
are these the only saints who see that light?
here in my weakness i would ask for grace
and that consoling vision of your face.
The Internet Monk Archives 
Chaplain Mike, your sonnet is a wonder, and absolutely Perfect in both form and content. Thank you.
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A smug cat? It cannot be.
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Ha!
D.
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Actually,it is Lewis after CS, but also to keep company with a very smug ginger cat named Charles Williams.
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Congratulations on your new family member. Is he named Lewis after C.S., who I believe passed on the idea that we have a God-shaped hole in our hearts, though he got the idea from Pascal and/or Augustine (the latter of which it originated from)?
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She is resting. Thank you for your concern. And Merry Christmas.
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Yes, all Creation awaits its renewal! We will see them again! Our priest, Ft. Bryan, also believes this to be true.
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Burro,
so happy for you and little Lewis-the-Beagle!
May he be a therapy dog for you for many years to come is my hope.
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🙂
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Yes-
D.
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Glad to hear it – Merry Christmas, Mule, and may Lewis be a true friend always. Fr Abbot Tryphon of Vashon Island believes we will have our pets again in Paradise; I’m with him. Paradise wouldn’t be Paradise without them.
D.
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The dog-shaped hole in my heart has been filled.
Lewisis now a member if our family, a boxer-beagle mix.
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-7??? Yikes!!!
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Mom brought us up right
Never eat the yellow snow
Only eat the white
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It’s -7 outside
I’m ready for Christmas
In July
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deep snow turns yard white
my small dog goes out to pee
yellow patio
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stephen the martyr
took some stones upon the head
the Lord received him
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RobertF,
I hope this 2nd day of the Christmas season finds you well, and your wife enjoying rest from her church musician labors and recuperation and healing from her bronchitis. Blessings to you both.
Brian
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the forecast snow was
a no show, but the moon, stars,
and heavens kept faith
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