Domestic Altar

On a cold autumn morning
A winter storm was moaning
But away indoors there arose a hush
Quieting ourselves from the season’s rush

For Father was then vesting
Our reflective souls, resting
Till through the hallway, clad in white, the priest came
To open the liturgy in the Holy Name

He signed himself and uttered words held sacred
Both Scripture and Eucharistic rite were read
The Sacrifice to our heavenly Father elevated
Was on a lowly carpenter’s cabinet celebrated

Bedecked with corporal and little red tapers
Presiding over our prayers which rose with the vapors
And God Almighty showered down on us an abundance of grace
Like the falling snow glimpsed through a pane covered in frosty lace

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