Word Made Flesh is a contemplative community. One of the ways that we contemplate what God is doing in the world and in our lives is through the reflection articles that we write. We invite you to read, learn, and celebrate with us.
The Cry for Submission: Letter from the Editor by Emily Fales
the joy of giving
This has been a year to seek color and beauty in unusual places. Many times I feel that words alone cannot describe my life here in Moldova, in a multi-cultural, missional community. We serve in a hard place day after day where things simply have to be experienced to be understood. So, I invite you…
The Moon of Wintertime. Advent Day 22
A reflection on Matthew 11:2-11 Longing and waiting expectantly. Watching and waiting for whispered words of wisdom. Words of comfort and of grace. Yet a bleak sky and the untold cries of hundreds, thousands, millions do not leave me alone. Do not leave me in a solitude or the hope of silence this night. The…
Waiting for Epiphany. Advent Day 21
The image of “I thirst” that Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity (MC) have printed beside the crucifix located in Nirmal Hriday, her first home in Kolkata has been imprinted on my brain for a long time. In a brash “I’m 22 and I care!” moment I had the same phrase tattooed on my…
The Beauty of Contemplation, Advent Day 20
Historically, it’s the quiet, reflective, “holy” ones who write about the beauty of contemplation and long silent prayer with the Lord. Problem is, I’m not one of those types. Honestly, I’ll rarely have the luxury of days on end, alone & quiet. Nor do I hardly want that. My life is chaotic. I have 4…
Preparing Our Hearts, Advent Day 19
Two nights ago, I woke up terrified. I was having contractions. They weren’t very strong or very painful, but they were VERY close together. I thought back to our Lamaze classes and tried to remember how far apart they should be. Then shook Mache awake. “I’m concerned,” I said. “Don’t worry, honey,” my…
From Control To Surprise, Advent Day 18
We have two conceptions of the future. One is how we normally think about the future. It is the time ahead of us. Although we don’t know what the future holds, we can predict the probability of events happening in the future by extrapolating the past and present. There are even scientists, called futurologists, who…
Poetry: Holy, Restless Anticipation, Advent Day 17
Stay right here a little while Stay right here my dear Hear me whisper to your heart And take away your fear For you soon will see An unlikely king And you soon will feel A flesh that will heal Oh, Divine, my Word on your lips Find refuge in a holy kiss Stay right…
Praises and Pleas, Advent Day 16
Are my praises as loud as my pleas? Now on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As He was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Mater, have pity on us!”…
Beggars Society 2011 Holiday Concert!
. Word Made Flesh is preparing to kick off an exciting new year of Beggars Society! . Join us Thursday 12/15 for the special launch event… . A 2011 Holiday Concert featuring Aaron Strumpel! All are welcome – no invitation necessary. You can RSVP and invite others on Facebook. We hope to see you soon! The…
Attentive to God's Nearness. Advent Day 15
The below Advent reflection was first posted on the blog, Godspace, as part of the Advent series, “Jesus Is Near – How Do We Draw Close?” You can read other daily Advent series reflections at http://godspace.wordpress.com/. Advent – Attentive to God’s Nearness There is something about Advent that sparks my attentiveness. For me…