Articles & Reflections
Selected Articles and Reflections
For many years, I have written articles, educational materials, Bible study resources, and reflections on faith. The selections below include published magazine articles, devotional reflections, and educational resources that have been meaningful in my faith journey.
The Hallelujah Chorus
By Donna Curtiss
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”
— Matthew 6:26
As this verse unfolds outside my window, my prayer echoes that of my feathered friends. Our shared joy comes from the prospect of a new day. Our intent is to praise our Creator all day long.
There is quite a concert taking place in our backyard. A variety of birds are chirping, trilling, and tweeting the old-fashioned way. They are somehow in concert with one another. The volume increases as more birds awaken. With very little imagination I hear:
Thank You, Lord.
This is the day the Lord has made.
Jesus, thank You, Father God.
The view outside my window is a diorama of life. The birds praising God for food, shelter, and family; their hearts full of gratitude for making it through the night. From experience I know that the only time this praising will stop is nightfall or with the presence of the hawk that also inhabits the neighborhood.
Clutching my prayer journal and coffee, I quietly enjoy watching a mama bird feed two of her young; quieting their incessant chirping for just a moment with nourishment. As I begin to write, I cannot help but liken the blank journal page to this fresh new day.
Knowing how important we are to God, I continue to pray:
Yes, my Jesus, I believe I am valuable to You, and I pray that like the birds of the air I will spend my day praising You, echoing the grateful hearts of my feathered friends.
Even while I’m praying, I wonder what will divert my focus from praising my God unceasingly. Will it be work? A friend or family member? Chores around the house? It is then that I realize I have already lost my focus to these musings.
Thinking that we must make our Father God smile a lot, I resume my prayers and safeguard my day by asking Jesus to help me keep my focus on Him.
For in the end, every day offers us a choice: to become distracted by the noise around us, or to join the Hallelujah Chorus already rising from creation itself.
Originally published in the First Presbyterian Church publication, View from Another Pew.
Divine Mercy Chapel
By Donna Curtiss
The story and significance of a Holy Hour of Adoration in the Divine Mercy Chapel. it is a message of hope, mercy, and love. It is available for download in English and Spanish. First published in Agua Viva Magazine, August/September 2014 issue.
Unknowingly Entertaining Angels
by Donna Curtiss
First published in the Diocese of Las Cruces Agua Viva newspaper. December/January 2011. Volume 25, No. 11
Ever since Sister told us in first grade that we each had a Guardian Angel and I immediately but ever so discreetly moved over in my desk chair to make room beside me for mine, I’ve been fascinated by angels. As an adult, it is St. Paul’s message to us in Hebrews 13: 1-2 that captivates me. St. Paul tells us to “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.”
The existence of Angels is a truth of faith in the Church. St. Augustine says that the nature of angels is “spirit” and that if you seek the name of their office, it is ‘angel.” Angels are further defined by St. Augustine as servants and messengers of God. It is interesting to put St. Augustine’s thoughts together with St. Paul’s message. To wonder, how many times might we have unknowingly entertained angels, been entertained by angels or perhaps acted as God’s messenger.
It is my belief that just as saints walk among us, so do angels. At times, it might be our guardian angel. Other times it might be that we become God’s messenger for one another. All our lives are richly blessed by those we consider to have angelic qualities. I am blessed with a sister that everyone in our family considers one of God’s special angels on earth.
There are times in all of our lives when we feel God calling us to act as his messenger on earth. We may feel prompted to make a phone call, send an email message, or to share a meal with someone needing company. There are times when God calls us to reach outside of ourselves to do a special kindness for a specific person. Perhaps a young mother who needs a babysitter for an afternoon out, an elderly relative, or the caregiver of a relative who needs a break. Or it might be a friend who needs someone to visit or to pray with them. Sometimes God prompts us to minister to a group of people. God may call us to care for children, seniors, caregivers, our parish, our community, or we may be called to visit those in the hospital, prison, or to open our home to provide hospitality.
A dear friend recently shared her parents’ hospitality ministry. Living in Annapolis, her Mom and Dad open their hearts and home to plebes and midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy. Photos on display throughout their home bear witness to the 40 young people invited to join their family over the years. It’s easy to imagine the comfort provided to these young people who trade homesickness for life in a warm, loving family atmosphere. This kindhearted hospitality is an important part of the faith we hand on to the next generation.
When we open our hearts to one another, we enable mutual love to continue. When we act as messengers of God’s love, we unknowingly entertain countless angels.
Additional Reflections
Additional articles, educational resources, and reflections on faith, family, and everyday grace will be added as they become available.
One Shepherd, One Flock
by Donna Curtiss
This reflection explores Jesus’ call for Christian unity and the renewed spiritual interest appearing on college campuses and in communities around the world. It invites Christians of every tradition to walk together in faith, love, and service—one flock under one Shepherd.
Donna Curtiss 