"God is alive, magic is afoot"

As we experience a world emerging, facing and living into the challenges posed by pandemic, economic turmoil, wars, migration, systemic racism and mounting ecological crises, we still hear God's voice clearly and quietly say, "here is another opportunity for you to create beloved community and to assist at the birth and transformation to a more just and compassionate world."  I like to think of Leonard Cohen's beautiful phrase, "God is Alive, Magic is Afoot."  If you don't believe in magic, then say "miracles are afoot." The phrase is from a poem that appears in Leonard Cohen's 1966 novel, Beautiful Losers. Midway trough the novel, a short section of about 400 words which some say are the best Cohen ever wrote explaining God's magic and miracle.
 
Of course God is always moving.  Over, under, around and through us.  And "justice rolls down like waters..."
 
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me and before me.
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore.
 
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in hearts of all who know me.
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger,
Christ in quiet and in roar.
 
Love, blessed Trinity of three,
Bound in unity
Who guides my journey.
I will arise with strength of heaven
Trusting in Your light
To guide my journey
Shine before me
Lead me home.
 
Power to guide me, might to hold me,
Wisdom teach me, watching o’er me.
Ear to hear me, hand to guard me,
Love to conquer every fear.
 
Attr. St. Patrick

​Photo: iStock