Thursday Morning

We have Morning Prayer and Eucharist here at Mercy House every weekday morning. We use the St. Augustine Prayer Book (as does the rest of our Order, the Order of St. John the Beloved (Franciscan)) with a prayer of St. Francis, and our Eucharist liturgy a mix of a couple of different Anglican liturgies and the Roman Rite. We light candles on the altar (in addition to the sanctuary lamp already burning there -- this is the altar where the Reserved Sacrament is kept), burn incense and have a Chant cd on low most mornings, and of course, enjoy good coffee.

One day last week that it was especially cold outside, and due to the fact that the Bonny is heated by a space heater, it was cold in the room -- but I'm guessing another 10 degrees warmer at the altar after we've received (hmmm, wonder why -- maybe the Presence of the Lord? :)). (The "Bonny" Room is the Oratory of St. Bonaventure, our combination chapel/library/music room.) Today, Clare and Shirley have left to go to work (I go later), and I'm walking back into the house proper, when I notice that the incense has wafted its way into the rest of the house. Mmmmm. Love the smell. It always reminds me that out brothers and sisters the saints are already there praying for us, that He is receiving their and our prayers, and of His Presence and peace with us. Alleluia.


Fr. Francis