February Blessing of the Hands

 

 

 “Bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord… Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the Lord!  May the Lord… bless you…” -- Psalm 134:1-3

Dear Shawl Makers,
It’s simply remarkable to know that we’ve been knitting and crocheting together for FOUR years!  The work of your hands truly inspire us in many indescribable ways!  Little did we know where this path would lead, nor can we yet fathom what paths we’ve yet to travel and explore.  But knowing where we’ve been is an encouragement to where God may continue to lead us through His mission work entitled, The Shawl Ministry.

Over these last four years, we’ve seen the sacred strands that seem to knit us all as one through the countless shawl stories that have been shared.   Often strangers, we are connected by the sacred cord that holds every life in the palm of His hand.  Please know that we carry you into our hearts each day for prayer.  Though these shawls may travel far and wide, we also remember the shawls recipients in prayer.

Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB, is a Benedictine Sister at St. Scholastica Monastery, Fort Smith, Arkansas, and writes about praying for her friends in such a way -- remembering them in her heart during prayer.  In reflecting upon one of her prayerful devotions, I found myself thinking of the Shawl Ministry and the many shawls and prayers that have touched numerous lives. Given that this is February, the month of the HEART, it might be a good time to share her reflection entitled, “Remembered in My Heart”, as a special prayer and thank you to each of you for the amazing work that you do to touch the hearts of others.

 

“Today, my friends,
I am leaving my head for a while
I am on a journey to my heart.
I am taking each of you with me
To the oven of my heart
To the very center
Where God lives.
I am taking you separately
One at a time.
I take you there
To remember you well
Like yeast remembers dough.
Remembering is a kind of loving
A kind of baking
And sometimes breaking.

With love, my God talks to me there
in the oven of my heart
And shows me why it’s part of heaven’s plan
That you became a part of my heart.

I remember you walking into my days
(or did I walk into yours?)
I reflect on all the ways
You’ve been grace to my heart.
I remember the times
You’ve been sacrament to me
A real presence for my journey, a communion
Feeding my weariness new strength.

I am grateful for your presence in my life
Because of you I own a warmer heart
A heart more breakable
More pliable, soft and rearrangable.

When people touch me deeply
It is my heart that remembers.
And so, I remember you,
Lovingly, dearly.
I cherish you, and then…
I leave you there, somewhere
In the oven of my heart.
I go back to pick up someone else
And bring them too
Until we’re all together
Remembered in my heart.

I find great joy and comfort in your love
Through you my heart has been refreshed.”

 

Please join us in celebrating our fourth anniversary on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 at 6:30 p.m., in the Seton Faith Formation Center’s Chapel, 3100 W. Spring Creek Pwky.  Refreshments along with knitting and crocheting will follow in room 108.  In the past, this unique, candlelight prayer service has proven to be quite beautiful and moving.  We are excited to continue to offer this wonderful opportunity once again, as our reverent thanks for the beautiful work of your hands.  Come, bring a friend and experience this special Blessing of the Hands.

SHAWL TIP  -- Please place your completed shawls in the baskets provided at the door, as they will be brought forward for a special blessing during the prayer service.  Shawls should be marked in such a way that you can identify later, so that you can add our usual 'ID hang tag' once we all arrive back in room 108.  THANKS! 

Blessings,
Tish and Kathy

(RESOURCE: “Seasons of Your Heart”, Macrina Wiederkehr, 1991)