Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Julia Lavia. Requiescat in pace.

My step-mother passed away on Monday, July 19, at 6:18 p.m., after a battle with brain cancer that was truly heroic. I felt blessed and privileged to be present at her passing. Please pray for the repose of her soul, and for the consolation of her family and friends.

O nations, hear the word of the Lord,
Proclaim it to the far-off coasts,
Say He Who scattered Israel will gather him,
And guard him as a shepherd guards his flock.
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob,
Has saved him from an overpowering hand.
They will come and shout for joy on Mount Zion,
They will stream to the blessings of the Lord;
To the corn, the new wine, and the oil,
To the flocks of sheep and the herds;
Their life will be like a watered garden.
They will never be weary again.
Then the young girl will rejoice and will dance.
The men, young and old, will be glad.
I will turn their mourning into joy;
I will console them, give gladness for grief.
The priests I will again feed with plenty,
And the people will be filled with my blessing.