The little things are really the great things...

This lovely, autumn-time, native aster is blooming now in Pennsylvania. Here it grows happily along the edge of the woods in dappled light. It is called Aster Cordifolius or Blue Wood Aster. The thin stems send up big, long-lasting clouds of delicate, powder blue flowers. Each flower is about the size of a baby aspirin. The clusters sway or shake gently when there's a breeze.

In his essay, Wild Fruits, Henry David Thoreau quotes the nature-philosopher Pliny (though the quote isn't verified anywhere) "In minimus Natura praestat" - Nature excels in the least things. Aster Cordifolius affirms Pliny's claim.

And a Jesuit priest-author writes, "Christians live under the sign of the diminutive." Indeed, all throughout the Gospels, Jesus, referencing the small and least things, teaches us about the divine things that matter most. 

• the tiny mustard seed that becomes a great bush
• the bit of yeast that leavens the whole dough
• the widow's coin of least value worth more than grandiose gifts
• a few loaves and some dried fish to feed thousands
• the little pearl bought by selling everything
• small children gathered by Jesus to teach us how to receive God's mercy
• the smallest of birds carefully observed by God
• the tiny child of insignificant Bethlehem, who is God with us.

We might look and listen for small and least today. God is near.

• In the morning as the leaves still drip with rain from last night's storm.
• A young mother in the park, feeding her toddler who sits in the stroller.
• The sales person so genuinely helpful.
• There are tropical plants and even fish in the islands throughout the mall.
• A shade of green today that I'd never seen before.
• The surprise of a polite driver who knew what the YIELD sign means.
• I heard church bells today...
• and wispy clouds against a blue, blue sky.
• A last robin hanging around made me think of spring for a moment.
• The tender story of an old black and white film.
• Out of season, the Magnolia has sent out two waxy, deep pink flowers.
• The radio song that brought back a lovely memory.
• How delightful - the first apples of autumn.
• ( Fill in the blanks)
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Memorare! Remember!

Znamenie Mother of God

Lest we forget its beauty, I'm posting this much-loved prayer: The Memorare. Perhaps it will be a first encounter for some. There's a benefit to knowing at least a few prayers by heart, serving as a jump-start when we're feeling empty. Pray this prayer everyday for a week and it will spring up spontaneously from deep inside when things seem impossible or all uphill.

But I'm putting the prayer out there alongside this flame-like icon of the Mother of God of the Sign. Mary's head is large as she perceives the fullness of God's presence while holding all our concerns in mind. Her prayer is like fire, standing with angels. Her open arms and hands form a chalice or cup waiting to be filled with our every concern. She is first disciple here - imaging a life which has Christ at the center.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,

that never was it known

that anyone who fled to your protection,

  implored your help

  or sought your intercession

was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence,

I fly unto you,

  O virgin of virgins, my mother.

To you do I come,

before you I stand,

  sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions,

but in your clemency hear and answer me.

Amen

Intercessions ~ Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Grant that we would be freed of anxiety this Sabbath day/ so to worship well,/ preparing us for the forever-joy of heaven./ We pray to the Lord.

Sanctify and lead your Church to repentance/ and the clean heart of the Gospel,/ that in our vocation and good works,/ we would serve you truly and humbly./ We pray to the Lord.

In an election time/ we pray for God to drive far from us all wrong desires/ and that our nation would be restored to unity/ and preserved in goodness and love./ We pray to the Lord.

Tuesday is the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi,/ who is more rightly portrayed cleaning lepers than preaching to birds./ That we would be brave Christians./ We pray to the Lord.

At the start of October,/ we pray for those who will keep birthdays,/ anniversaries and other days of remembrance,/ asking for them,/ good health,/ safety and peace./ We pray to the Lord.

For those who are unhappy with themselves/ or who are ready to give up./ We pray for those who live where there is war,/ and for the injured,/ the sick,/ the orphaned,/ those left-behind/ and for mourners./ We pray to the Lord.

We remember those who have died from among our own family and friends./ We pray as well for those who die suddenly,/ with no time to prepare/ and for those who are forgotten in death./ We pray to the Lord.