“They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:9 (NIV)

“I think tonight is the New Moon.  No night more peaceful; no bloodshed in all the city.” Marion, Wings of Desire

Tonight is the last new moon of the year and it is a gentle day on the calendar brought by a story far from gentle….a young woman who refuses marriage and uses her dowry to give to the poor.  For this her eyes are torn out, though her sight is restored.  When her captors try to burn her, no harm will come to her and eventually she is stabbed in the throat to bring about her death.  Her decision has cost her   life, but in legend and prayers, in heaven and in the thoughts of those on earth, she lives and continues her aid to the poor. Read more