Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

Photo of a snail and tulips by a waterfall speaking the Shalom Snail couplet.
“The Voice Beyond the Cave”
John 20:1-2, 11-18 “in a snailshell”
Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

John 20:1-2, 11-18

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.… Read the rest

The Girl is Not Dead But Sleeping

Photo of snail amid irises with text overlay of the couplet, "As mourners and musicians wailed for the dead, / Jesus raised the little girl out of bed."
“The Girl is Not Dead But Sleeping”
Matthew 9:23-25 “in a snailshell”
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26

While he was saying these things to them, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died.… Read the rest

Your Grief Will Become Joy

Photo of baby snail on a rose with text of the Shalom Snail couplet, "Your Grief Will Become Joy."
“Your Grief Will Become Joy”
A reflection on John 16:20-22
Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter
©️2022 Gloria M. Chang

Sorrow is not the end; through Christ, anguish gives way to unshakable joy that no one can take away.

Gospel

John 16:20-22

Amen, amen, I say to you, you will weep and mourn, while the world rejoices; you will grieve, but your grief will become joy. … Read the rest

My Shalom

A snail and camellia flowers speak John 14:27: "Shalom I leave with you; my shalom I give to you. Alleluia!"
“My Shalom”
John 14:27 from the Communion Antiphon
Monday of the Third Week of Easter
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.

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Word and Bread

Photo of three orange tulips with text overlay of the last four lines of the poem, "Word and Bread."
“Word and Bread”
A poem on Luke 24:13-35
Third Sunday of Easter (Year A)
©️2023 Gloria M. Chang

In receiving the Word and Bread, eyes open and hearts burn with resurrection hope.

Gospel

Luke 24:13-35

Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And… Read the rest

Shalom Aleichem!

Photo of snail and camellia speaking to each other, "Shalom aleichem!" "Peace be with you!"
“Shalom Aleichem!”
John 20:19-31
Second Sunday of Easter
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When

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The Splendor of Christ

A snail and a camellia speak the Easter Octave Morning Antiphon: "The splendor of Christ risen from the dead has shone on the people redeemed by his blood. Alleluia!"
“The Splendor of Christ”
Liturgy of the Hours, Easter Octave, Morning Prayer Antiphon 1
Friday within the Octave of Easter
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

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Go to My Brothers

Two snails and a tulip outside a cave speak John 20:17: "Go to my brothers and tell them, I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God."
“Go to My Brothers”
John 20:17b
Tuesday within the Octave of Easter
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

“I will be with you only a little while longer,
and then I will go to the one who sent me.

John 7:33

Go to my brothers and tell them,
I am going to my Father and your Father,
to my God and your God.

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Come and See

Two snails and a cave speak the Easter Vespers Antiphon: "Come and see the place where the Lord was buried. Alleluia!"
“Come and See”
Monday within the Octave of Easter
Liturgy of the Hours, Easter Octave, Vespers Antiphon 2
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

Come and see the empty tomb—He is risen! Alleluia!

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And

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