A Prayer For Holy Innocents

I hear the wind blowing at this
early morning hour. Gusts rattle
the lemon tree just outside my
window while red bougainvillea
blossoms swirl upward, spiraling
in a dance-offering to the Mystery
of approaching light.

In my prayers this morning, I remember
the holy innocents who from all time
have suffered because of someone else’s
cruelty and power. The Herods of history
have become the power brokers of this
hour and their cruelty has not diminished.

May justice and mercy continue to shine
the revealing Light of truth on the sinister
shadows lurking to use innocent children,
the helpless, the vulnerable, for evil’s benefit.
May all sentient beings, trusting and hoping,
living by intention or instinct, find this day
to be peaceful. We are all of us sustained by
an inherent hope, stronger at times than
others, but hope, nonetheless. May it thrive
today in peace. May it be so. Amen