Monday Morning

The earth inhales God

Why should we not do the same?

                                Thomas Aquinas

__________________________________

Monday morning

and the world stirs

all humanity breathing deeply

the air of a new week

struggling to fan into flame

the deep fire

which flickers rather than burns

gasping for that breath

that empowers

giving strength for the journey

what vapors do we breathe?

do we inhale the toxic air

of fear, or anger

Are we slowly choking on hopelessness?

Or are we breathing deeply

Into the depth of our soul

God

feeding the hungry fire

of compassion, hope, love

feeding the sacred flame within?

Monday morning

and the world stirs

some eagerly entering the day

others regretfully

breathe on me breath of God

___________________________________-

    Breathe on me, Breath of God,

    Fill me with life anew,

    That I may love what Thou dost love,

    And do what Thou wouldst do.

    Breathe on me, Breath of God,

    Until my heart is pure,

    Until with Thee I will one will,

    To do and to endure.

    Breathe on me, Breath of God,

    Till I am wholly Thine,

    Until this earthly part of me

    Glows with Thy fire divine.

    Breathe on me, Breath of God,

    So shall I never die,

    But live with Thee the perfect life

    Of Thine eternity.

                                                Edwin Hatch  1878