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

Hitting hard against the concrete wall, the pepper-winged body fell … and it broke my heart.  I was afraid of its death and more its pain.  In stillness and perverse serenity, I saw his eyes open to meet mine. I reached, gathering his wings which were stretched in a broken pattern, and I felt his life in my hands. Perhaps in a daze but present, he seemed to listen as I spoke to comfort imagined distress.  I had no plan.  If he were to die, it would be so and I was saddened to know this truth. I placed him near a bush and breathed deeply, prayer-like, and hoped he would awaken and return to flight and glory.  His pain changed me… I -the Raven.

Luke 12: 22-24.