The Drama of Autumn

(Prayer offered on the Public Address system on Tuesday, 22 October 2013 by Michael McNamara)

Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.

This awareness of God’s presence, toward which we repeatedly refocus, is a gift of humanity.  It reminds us of love, of mercy, of each other, of the entirety of creation.  And although this awareness is certainly more difficult for us at some times, there is such a rich and deep variety in this simple act.

Mr. Daly reminded us yesterday that we can see God’s hand even in what we first construe as utter disappointment.  I saw God’s presence at the open house, in the generosity of students who gave a day to give prospective students and parents a view of and a feel for our community.  I saw God’s presence in the proud parents at open house, wanting to give their children experiences that will keep them safe and foster their growth.  I see God’s presence continually in my colleagues and my students.  I know I will sense God’s presence at the girls’ soccer game tonight.

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But what I really want to talk about today are those leaves!

autumn-leaves

My gosh!  I have been on this earth for nearly three score and ten autumns, and I am stunned by this beauty around us.  Sometimes driving home, even in the city, a small tree, half-empty, startles me with its color, and speaks to my heart in its unleaving.

Autumn in Tribeca

 The autumn brings us so very much:  color and coolness, joy and grief, change and eternity.  Let us immerse ourselves in this drama.

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Let us pray, using Psalm 150, the final, exultant Psalm.

Praise the Lord

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament!

Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his exceeding greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute an harp!

Praise him with timbrel and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!

Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!

 

Saint John Baptist de la Salle, pray for us.

Live, Jesus, in our hearts.  Forever!