What is — the mind was made to understand, For nothings nurture not the nascent thought. While sums are simply cookies in each hand, Subtraction makes much less sense to a tot. They think of darkness, ugliness, and sin As … Continue reading
Author Archives: Sister Mary Joseph, M.I.C.M.
A Mystery in Matthew 1:19
When understanding’s wanting, set your sight On likenesses, and clues you can procure. A look at manly men may shed some light On Joseph’s noble heart and motives pure. The sensitive, protective sort of man Will always feel it keenly … Continue reading
Cinderella — A True Story
Once upon a time there was a wretched, little soul, covered with the dirtiness of sin and clothed in the rags of fallen human nature. Her wicked step-angels despised her and laughed at her miserable condition. They sought by their name calling … Continue reading
The Chant
This lighthearted poem is based, in its poetic structure, on “The Yak,” by Hilaire Belloc. As a help to all souls, let me recommend chant —Specific’ly Gregory’s kind. It will order your ardor and surely implant The seedlings of peace … Continue reading
Confronting the Monster Madness
If you haven’t already noticed, our culture is becoming increasingly “monstra-fied.” Is this a sign of our broad-mindedness and growth in compassion? Are there good qualities to be found in monsters? Do they have a few noble motives and desires? … Continue reading
Explaining Green To a Blind Man
A priest friend shared with me this writing prompt that he used to give to his high school students. It sounded too deliciously challenging to pass up. So here is my letter to the blind man. Dear poor Blind Man, … Continue reading
They Shall Be Comforted
The time He saw you by your brother’s tomb, I think it was your tears that made Him weep. Perhaps they stirred a mem’ry of perfume, Which, in its turn, evoked emotion deep. He could not be indifferent to your … Continue reading
The Glorious Mysteries with St. Joseph
The Resurrection Blessed Be God! Our Sweet Savior is risen from the dead! Happily, I believe this, St. Joseph. Theological Faith makes it possible for me to know all those truths which are beyond the capacity of my senses. I … Continue reading
The Sorrowful Mysteries with St. Joseph
The Agony in the Garden St. Joseph, as dear Jesus saw all the sins, hatred, betrayal, and selfishness of men in the Garden of Gethsemane, He did not see you. When His Sacred Heart was weighed down by the thought … Continue reading
The Joyful Mysteries with Saint Joseph
The Annunciation When Mary was asked to be the Mother of God, she must have thought of you, dear St. Joseph. I think she probably admired God’s great providence in giving her such a husband — one in whom she … Continue reading
Only the Best
Don’t take the biggest cookie; just take the one that is closest to you on the plate. — Mom NOTWITHSTANDING this seemingly sage advice from my mother, it is my considered opinion that the cookie one ought to reach for … Continue reading
Her Babe Ablaze
You were sitting on the hillside looking at the starry night sky when you realized how cold you were. Your fingers were numb and you couldn’t seem to warm them. But even more than the external cold, there was an … Continue reading
A Note of Gratitude Unlike Any Other
It seems that God is not overly fond of cookie cutters. At least He does not employ that sort of technique in creation. Science has confirmed for us that there are no two snowflakes that are identical. This is the … Continue reading
Oh, To Be Puzzled!
“What is the point of working on a jigsaw puzzle? It gets taken apart as soon as it’s finished. Not only is nothing accomplished, but many hours are spent in accomplishing this nothing!” As incontestable as such logic would seem … Continue reading
Thank You, Skirt!
It is on my mind, dear Skirt, to express to you my gratitude and appreciation. You do your work of clothing Body so well — always smoothing over any little awkwardness so tactfully. Perhaps it is by deflecting attention from … Continue reading
