Isn't this too wonderful: this wooden sculpture of the Holy Family has survived nearly six centuries! The colors still very much intact, it depicts the extra-biblical Miracle of the Palm Tree - Mary and Joseph taking their young Child into Egypt, ahead of Herod's menace. Along the way, the Holy Infant commanded the fig-laden palm tree to bend, not in homage to him, but so Joseph could find something for his tired wife to eat. Two angels appear to help with the holy harvest beyond Joseph's reach.
And I've added my own night prayer as the Christmas Octave comes to a close.
And I've added my own night prayer as the Christmas Octave comes to a close.
Praise to you,
O God, this night,
for gifts of
touching,
tasting,
sight;
and oh,
the gift of hearing too.
Praise to you,
O God, this night,
for gifts of
friendship,
memory,
pet-delight;
and oh,
the gift of trusting too.
Praise to you,
O God, this night,
for gifts of
wound-heal,
laughter,
rite,
and oh,
the gift of reading too.*
Praise to you,
O God, this night,
for gifts of
Mozart,
carol,
Egypt-flight,
and oh,
the gift of Monk's Bread too.
*Everyday, when I see the large font of the lectionary or altar Missal, I remember gratefully my second grade teacher, Mrs. Slomiak, who taught me to read.
