Blessed are those who are persecuted for holiness's sake… Novena Day 8

Artwork by Sr. Margaret Hoffman, SNDdeN

Reflection on Psalm 130

Out of the depths, I call to you
out of the hunger of the poor,
out of their thirst,
out of their dying,
out of the fear of families forced from their homes and farms,
out of the patience of those working for justice.
May your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.
Hear my cry!

If you mark our sins, who can stand?
If you mark our greed and restless search for more than what we need?
If you mark our silent complicity in the wars of our world?
If you mark our racism and tribalism & however crude or subtle?
But with you is forgiveness and in forgiveness is our healing for to be forgiven is to learn to forgive.

We wait for your healing words.
More than sentinels for daybreak, we look for you.
For with you is kindness and full redemption.

You will redeem us from our darkness.


ACTION: Dorothy stepped out of her secure American mid-western world to accompany the farmers of the Amazon. What small step can you take outside of your comfort zone to accompany someone in need?


This reflection was written by Sr. Kay McMullen, SNDdeN. A poet and a gardener, Sister also coordinates the Mission Appeal program. Sr. Joan Krimm, SNDdeN, selected the Dorothy Stang quotation.