Daily Compass

Who is to argue that the spiritual is not magical and could even be examined, measured, and understood by using some sort of device or mathematical concept? Bacteria, cells, and atoms were completely unknown to us 2000 years ago. Instead, any illness was attributed to magic of a force from the gods. Why should the spirit or any magical force not be subject to such open minded scrutiny? -Liam Heimm (a CLF member incarcerated in SC)

Tell us about a time something mysterious or magical to you wound up having an explanation.

“We light this chalice, here in the darkness of winter as we wait.
This temporary space is one filled with prayers to be answered,
love to be given and received, miracles to be witnessed.
May this light guide us until the light of the sun returns again.” -JeKaren Olaoya

Light a candle and fill the darkness with prayers.

“Now is the moment of magic,
when the whole, round earth turns again toward the sun,
and here’s a blessing:
the days will be longer and brighter now,
even before the winter settles in to chill us.” -Victoria Safford, from The Moment of Magic

What are the blessings of the solstice for you?

The third kind of magic I’ve experienced is the most powerful of all. That’s the magic of a child, of life itself. How is it possible that a squirming, squalling, smelly, little bundle can become a person, with wants and desires of their own? To go from laying there to running rampant through your heart? To go from just existing to creating ideas that can change the world? To see the world through their eyes, all the newness and wonder? It is a joy, it is magic all its own.  -Robert Brien (a CLF member incarcerated in MA)

When have you experienced the magic of a childhood? How did it fill you with wonder?

“I’ve come to appreciate different miracles [than the ones celebrated in the winter holidays]. When a couple expecting a child has nowhere to stay, the miracle is the Innkeeper who makes room for them. When people struggle to maintain their home and faith, the miracle is the loved ones who support them. When the days turn short and the air cold, the miracle is the warmth of community and connection. These ordinary miracles happen because we make them happen, for ourselves and for each other.” -Kim Mason, in the Braver/Wiser reflection “Ordinary Miracles”

Make an ordinary miracle happen today.