
Matthew 9:23-25 “in a snailshell”
Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 by Gloria M. Chang
While he was saying these things to them, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.
Matthew 9:18-19, 23-26
As mourners and musicians wailed for the dead,
Jesus raised the little girl out of bed.
Thank you for bringing the snail tale of the little girl’s rising. I have shared your photo with a few friends.
Here’s a wisdom bit for you:
A Japanese poet wrote once:
O snail
Climb Mount Fuji,
But slowly, slowly!
– Kobayashi Issa
Love it! The haiku is charming and delightful! Thanks for sharing!
蝸牛
そろそろ登れ
富士の山
katatsuburi
sorosoro nobore
fuji no yama
Snail!
Little by little climb up–
Mount Fuji!
Translated by William Nelson and Takafumi Saito
Alternatively:
Snail!
Slowly, slowly climb up–
Mount Fuji!
(sorosoro means “gradually; steadily; slowly; soon”)
For this little girl Jesus’ heart bled,
From afar Jesus wrapped mercy around her.
As she lay lifeless in her bed,
Mercy lifted her as no one ever had.
Thank you for your lovely poem, Liz! May divine mercy lift you up too!