Night Falls in Assisi

Jesus left the synagogue at Capernaum, and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you." He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do." And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. Mark 1:29-39

Night Falls in Assisi

A long train ride a full morning
we didn't think we were pilgrims
but here we are on holy ground
a place where Francis walked and prayed.

The snow begins to fall as night drops down
a blanket on top of the hill's darkness
we are covered in mystery and possibility
awaiting revaluation and new life.

There is pain as well as joy in these pilgrims
letting go of all we know, and dying
life ending on other shores and new beginnings
we are all pilgrims as we stand this night.

Oh rain light in our darkened fearful souls
and let us see the fully wholeness of love
which surrounds and rocks us this night
as weary pilgrims seek exhausted rest.

Shine love into or deepening fears
let love break apart the tethered soul
into your hands we I commit my spirit
O creator, redeemer, lover of all souls.




Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.