Crosses Carry: Prayer
I feel hesitant and awkward about this quote from Saint John Vianney: “Why not love our crosses, and make use of them to carry us to heaven?” I don’t really … Continue Reading Crosses Carry: Prayer
Heavy Blessing of Snow
Note: This poem is about renewal. It was prescheduled, so it is NOT about current events. Snow is snow, which is quite familiar in New England. As I would like … Continue Reading Heavy Blessing of Snow
As Autumn Leaves
The mask of bright-leafed gaiety drops away and displays the bare truth, vulnerable and thin without the show of exuberance. Let’s not pretend, you and I, that life is easy … Continue Reading As Autumn Leaves
Pearls
This poetic prayer, which came to me not long ago, seems appropriate to share with the upcoming Feasts of All Saints and All Souls, as well as the impending US … Continue Reading Pearls
The Whole Offering
I, someone with a progressive disease, disabled since infancy and gravely dependent on others, have been told to offer up my sufferings to God, so that He will make something … Continue Reading The Whole Offering
Saints with Disabilities
Saints intercede to bring about miraculous cures for people with disabilities — they don’t have disabilities themselves. Right? Wrong. “It’s not like people with disabilities are usually known for feeding … Continue Reading Saints with Disabilities
Way of the Cross
I want to read something to you … a reminder that, even in the worst times, it’s good to be here. Concluding my Lenten series, this is an intimate meditation … Continue Reading Way of the Cross
Pain
“It was our pain that he bore, our sufferings he endured.”[i] I love being alive, body and soul. Sometimes, though, I think that my diseased, crippled body looks like it’s … Continue Reading Pain
Agony
“Not my will.” How many times have I desperately longed for my life of progressive disability to be different? For countless hours upon hours I have agonized, with teenaged hormones … Continue Reading Agony
Approaching Lent
How do you deal with suffering? This is a question that I have been asked more often than usual lately, and there really is no quick answer. Because I’m a … Continue Reading Approaching Lent
Lenten Reflections
My deepest fears, my worst pain, the agony of being human — all explored with intimate meditations upon the Passion of Christ that will be posted here weekly through Lent. … Continue Reading Lenten Reflections
Are you loved?
What is love? Our words can confuse the answer. I say: I love cheesecake; I love my family and friends; I love writing; I love watching football; I love God. … Continue Reading Are you loved?
Answered Prayers
Recently, I was telling my friend that I have difficulty “hearing” God when I pray. Often finding it difficult to make decisions in my life, I will turn to God … Continue Reading Answered Prayers
The Gift of Suffering?
Suffering is something that people complain about far and wide. As a Catholic, however, I have heard people speak about the gift of suffering. Those people look at me, a … Continue Reading The Gift of Suffering?
Where the Light Enters You
“There’s a crack in everything… that’s how the light gets in.” — Leonard Cohen, songwriter. I know about cracks. I suffer from a seriously disabling disease, Spinal Muscular Atrophy. My … Continue Reading Where the Light Enters You
Careful What You Pray for
When I was invited to write a post for my friends at Agnellus’ Mirror, I had no idea that God would give me the opportunity to put my money where … Continue Reading Careful What You Pray for
Christina Chase 