Another day of devastation mid the trauma of modern inhumanity.

I am only comforted by Cynthia’s words:

The power of this sacred alchemy to transform even the blackest of calamity, in which there appears to be absolutely no redemption or saving grace, is attested by an  unknown poet who left the following beautiful prayer beside the body of a dead child at the Ravensbruck death camp during a recent era of unspeakable human darkness:

‘O Lord, remember not only the men and women

Of good will, but those of ill will.

But do not remember all the suffering they inflicted

on us;

Remember the fruits we have bought, thanks to

This suffering—our comradeship,

Our loyalty, our humility, and our courage,

Our generosity, the greatness of heart

Which has grown out of all this, and when

They come to judgement let all the fruits.

Which we have borne be their forgiveness.”

(Quoted from Lynn C. Baumen, ed., A Book of Prayers)

Cynthia Bourgeault The Wisdom Jesus. 2008