The Cross and the Copper Serpent

Photo of snail and pink turtlehead speaking the Shalom Snail poem, "The Cross and the Copper Serpent."
โ€œThe Cross and the Copper Serpentโ€
A reflection on Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:13-17
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

First Reading

From Mount Hor they set out by way of the Red Sea, to bypass the land of Edom, but the peopleโ€™s patience was worn out by the journey; so the people complained against God and Moses, โ€œWhy have you brought us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness, where there is no food or water?

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The Cure of Simon’s Mother-in-Law

Photo of snail and periwinkle with the Shalom Snail couplet printed beneath.
โ€œThe Cure of Simonโ€™s Mother-in-Lawโ€
Luke 4:38-39 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Wednesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

After he left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simonโ€™s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her.

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What Word Is This?

Photo of snail and blue mistflower speaking the Shalom Snail couplet.
โ€œWhat Word is This?โ€
Luke 4:31-37 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Tuesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Jesus then went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority.

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The Girl is Not Dead But Sleeping

Photo of snail amid irises with the couplet printed beneath.
โ€œThe Girl is Not Dead But Sleepingโ€
Matthew 9:23-25 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

While he was saying these things to them, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, โ€œMy daughter has just died.

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Swine or Souls: A Gadarene Lesson

โ€œSwine or Souls: A Gadarene Lessonโ€
A reflection on Matthew 8:28-34
Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

When he came to the other side, to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him.

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Lent, Day 27

โ€œLent, Day 27โ€
Psalm 34:18 (19)
From the Responsorial Psalm
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

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If You Can!

Faith, Shalom Snail
โ€œIf You Can!โ€
A reflection on Mark 9:23-24 and Luke 1:37
Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Jesus said to him, โ€œโ€˜If you can!โ€™ Everything is possible to one who has faith.โ€ Then the boyโ€™s father cried out, โ€œI do believe, help my unbelief!โ€

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