Friday 2 December

Isaiah 29:17-24, Ps. 27,
Matthew 9:27-31

Mystical Lebanon

Mary,
in mystical Lebanon,
fruitful forest,
Abraham’s redeemer lies
in your womb.

Closed the eyes
that will give the blind sight,
curled the hands
that will bless the poor,
silent the voice
that will praise the simple.

Steadily pass the days
as his birth we await.
All too soon your love-fruit
faces forests of hate.

Treasure your time, mother tree.

Mary, in the bustle of Christmas
preparations may we take some time
to pause with you, as in a quiet forest.