Sunday, October 31, 2010

Saints and Scripture Longing


"As the deer yearns for running streams, so I yearn for you my God." Ps 42:1

This is the beginning of my favorite Psalm. I know 22 is much better known and more popular, but ever since I saw the mosaic on the floor in front of the altar at Mt Angel, I cannot help but be struck with a burning desire for the Eucharist every time I hear or read this line. The mosaic has deer drinking from a stream which flows forth from a chalice and host. Just as the deer needs water for life, we do not live by bread alone and we as Christians are called to the Living Waters in the Eucharist.
It also reminds of St Giles who lived in the woods as a hermit and his only companion was a deer who kept him company. One day a hunting party shot him with an arrow instead of the deer. He lived, but became the patron saint of crippled persons.

May God bless all who read my ramblings,

2 comments:

Carol@simple_catholic said...

I have never heard of Saint Giles. I will have to look him up.

Happy Sunday!

Dianna@KennedyAdventures said...

This verse is beautiful, and will certainly come to mind the next time I visit Adoration.

Thanks so much for coming by!