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Fortitude

I follow an interactive blog through Abbey of the Arts.  Looking to 2014 we had the opportunity to let a word resonate with us and the choose that word and journey with it through the forthcoming year.  I chose Fortitude which I have found to be a well needed friend. In further response to "choose a word", there was an invitation this morning to have our word associated with a photograph. 
Cynthia Gallo - ⓒ 2009
Alpha and Omega
 ⓒ 2009 Cynthia Gallo
My word Fortitude resonated with me during Mass this morning. Father spoke in his homily that we should look upon the Baptism of the Lord, the close of the Christmas season, not as an end, but instead, a beginning. Looking at the altar, with the lit trees of white lights, I became conscious that next week the altar would be dressed for ordinary time. At that moment the sanctuary reminded of a photo I was inspired “to receive” after Christmas 2008. I titled the photograph "Alpha and Omega". It was one of those days that will always be with you. One evening I had been sitting in my former parish church alone (I had a key). The altar was lit, the trees sparkling, and I found myself leaving the pew and kneeling in the center of the aisle gazing upon the altar. The stable was set in front of the altar (which has statues of the Last Supper encased) and as I looked up at the Crucifixion I felt strength come over me.
There were many changes to come during 2009 (and they came) and I had a creative yearning to preserve it. I went home and came back with my camera. Resolutions rarely happen, but one or two intentional changes do, the rest depends on the gift of fortitude, especially accepting the changes that come our way we didn’t plan.
I have a strong sense that 2014 could be one of those years, and this morning was a reminder of keeping Fortitude.
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