Posts by Deborah van Kroonenburg
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Elizabeth recalls. I had almost finished my weeping, through all the years of waiting. I held my sisters’ babes in my arms and nursed the little ones through restless nights, always ready to take my turn with the children. But month by month, year by year, I came to expect only disappointment, as the Good…
Read MoreSycamore and Savior
I loved my house in Jericho. I loved it but I did not love my life. I would creep home from my daily work, wash, and walk alone into the shade of my garden. I had no family to welcome me. My table was spread with the best food and fine cups, but I rarely…
Read MorePeter speaks …
After Our Lord healed that poor man who sat at the Gate Beautiful, through the ministry of John and I, the crowds gathered. More and more people clustered around us. It was only a matter of time before the authorities arrived. We knew this, but nothing would have closed my mouth that day. We held…
Read MoreFollow Me: Feast of St Matthew
I could not bear the idea of standing idle in the marketplace, waiting for a man to hire me, waiting all day until the sun set on my hopes. Even so, this was the worst work a man could have. I used to think that it would be better to be wounded, or sick, than…
Read MoreThe Rich Young Man
It is dark now and I limp slowly home, tears stinging my eyes. I will share my grief with the one who shares my home, my orphan sister. Oh, my sister, what have I done? Dear little sister, listen while I tell you this story… My heart aches and my body is torn in grief…
Read MoreWe Will Obey
‘This is the blood of the Covenant that the Lord has made with you,’ (Ex. 24:3-8) ‘Pay your sacrifice of thanksgiving to God and render Him your votive offerings. Call on me in the day of distress. I will free you and you shall honor me’ (Psalm 49: 1-2, 5-6, 14-15) When our leader, Moses,…
Read MoreThe Solemnity of Saint Peter & Paul
Paul speaks: What have you asked of me Lord? I spent my early years in work and study, in order to be certain, in order to be secure and sufficient to myself. I wanted to be a teacher, keeping my people on the straight path, never deviating from the Law of my God. Whatever evils…
Read MoreHoly Mary
Near the Cross of Jesus Stood His Mother. We were a slow procession behind Jesus, coming at last to the place of crucifixion, As the cross rose up my brothers slipped away but I stayed close beside the Lord’s mother and her companions. Her Strength Appalled Me She did not cry out in her pangs,…
Read MoreChoose the Light Yoke
My spirit had trembled when Jesus called out the names of the unrepentant towns, the names of those who had not turned back to God even after seeing the miracles He performed. We had seen His works. Time after time, the sick, the blind and the lame and those who were possessed by foul spirits,…
Read MoreThe Stones of the Temple
The very stones of the Temple heard his words and we thought that they would tremble and shatter under the impact of them. We were the people responsible for the purity of our Lord’s dwelling place and we glanced at each other fearfully. Why did he dare to say that his ‘Father’ had sent him?…
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