Posts by Deborah van Kroonenburg
The 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?…
Read MoreMatthew 5:1-12
The crowds surge around him and Jesus looks at them and glances upward as He walks up the mountainside. He sits down. We watch and listen, held in a time of peace and beauty. What do I see, what do I hear? I want to hold every detail, every word in the ‘now’ of my…
Read MoreWord Fulfilled
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. When Oh Lord, when will my eyes see your face? You whispered into my ear, as I lay on my mother’s knee. I saw the light…
Read MoreThe Voice
In those days, when we lived each day close to the Lord, we came to feel as though he was a friend, a kinsman in our midst. We heard him laugh and we saw him cry. So many of the emotions a man can feel passed through his expressions and we could have been brothers,…
Read MorePlaces of Honor
Peter Recalls They were part of our world and we learned to step out of the way each time they swept across our paths – the Holy Ones, the Pharisees. Holiness was the fragrance that hung on their garments, alongside the jewels and golden tassels and you bowed your head when you saw them praying.…
Read MoreDaniel Speaks
My eyes were burning with the fire of the visions. My mind reeled as the drama played out before me. My life had been a drama played out before the ages, I was an exile, subject to an alien king; I was his adviser, and a leader of men. Although I served my king, I…
Read MoreOh, John
He had only known the touch of rough garments for a long time, but I wrapped his body in linen and took it gently away to rest. We had a place ready to lay him, until the Lord should come to take him home. I would miss his voice, calling out to all those who…
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