10 March 2014

Malaysia Airlines flight MH370: A devotional for comfort

No footy today, nor travel or coffee; this is not the time.  Instead, with a heavy heart, I offer today a devotional for comfort; one written with those on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 on my mind and in my heart - whatever their race, religion or creed.  
(Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal, 8th March 2014)

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
(Psalm 23:4)

*

"Allah does not burden any human being with more than he can bear.  Everyone will enjoy the good of his deeds and suffer the ill of his evil-doings."
(Excerpt from Surah 2 Al-Baqara, Ayah 286)

*

"The one who practices loving kindness sleeps and wakes in comfort and has no bad dreams.  He is dear to both humans and creatures; no danger harms him.  His mind can be quickly concentrated, his expression is happy and serene.  He dies without any confusion of mind.  Loving kindness protects him."
(Anguttara Nikaya, Buddhist scripture)

*

"In the rising of the sun and its going down, we remember them.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, we remember them.
In the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of Spring, we remember them.
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of Summer, we remember them.
In the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of Autumn, we remember them.
In the beginning of the year and when it ends, we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength, we remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart, we remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share, we remember them.
As long as we live, they too shall live, for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them."
(Traditional Jesuit prayer)







3 comments: