The first reading today is not well known but a favourite of mine. I jokingly say it is from the book of Susanna, but it is from the Apocrypha, Daniel 13. The story is really about Susanne’s steadfast love for God but mostly homilies tend to focus on Daniel speaking the truth and outing the two lecherous elders.
If you know me, you know that I have a passion for beauty. I do not mean exclusively the physical beauty of a person or a stunning nature scene. I see the beauty of a human heart or a tender interaction, such as in the Gospel today with Jesus and the adulteress woman. The elders in today’s reading are struck by Susanna’s beauty and they totally miss the faithful heart that puts God first. This is the real reason that she is well loved. This is the reason that Daniel saves her–because she is righteous and the elders are not.
I have seen great beauty of all kinds in my life because I watch for it. This week I see the beauty of a miraculous body that God has created to renew and heal itself, the opportunity to rest, the snow blanketing the earth one more time prior to it coming alive in various shades of green, the caring of friends, and the joy of human connection. Where has beauty been observed in your life this week?
Peace,
Suzanne
God in all things 
This morning Suzanne. I went to yoga this morning down in Samara. A elderly gentleman named Richard picked me up on route. I first thought no, I should refuse the ride as better to walk…exercise:) But I quickly rethought and accepted the lift from Richard. He was kind enough to stop. He was a Canadian here for the winter. Had a nice chat and I arrived at yoga early.
Today I was the only one who showed up. Chris Hawk, my favorite instructor arrived and as we were waiting for some others to arrive we just started chatting as we were stretching. He was getting over a back injury so taking it easy. It didn’t end up being a normal yoga session today, maybe because no one else showed up. Anyway I got to learn a little about his life and his beliefs in homeopathic approach to wellness. I cautiously mentioned Ben and his now over a year struggle with vertigo. The beauty was in his kindness to show interest and he said he would discuss with a friend of his who practices homeopathic medicine. Maybe he would have a suggestion to pass on that’s different than what Ben has already tried.
I see beauty in little acts of kindness.
Enjoying all your posts and inspired by your attitude towards your illness Suzanne.
Take care, Karen
Sent from my iPad
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