While some people may be thinking of Irish jigs at this time of year, a figurine that has been hanging in my house for years has offered me a bit of blog inspiration about another kind of dancing. I purchased the figurine at a Home Goods store. The card that came with it informed me that the ornament, named Possible Dreams, was inspired by the painting, Dance at Bougival, painted by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in 1883. As the couple dances above my head in my bedroom, I think about the dance of life and the various possibilities dancing affords.

I think you would agree that dancing offers a wonderfully different dimension to what we do every day—stepping. People usually dance to music, so there is a rhythm established and a pace set. The whole person is involved, and if you have a partner, coordination and interaction make for a smooth flow of movement, whether it is a fast or slow dance. If we are solo dancing, we still keep moving as we integrate various dance patterns. Dancing can be refreshing, exhilarating, and just plain freeing.

We are not all limber enough to dance all day long. Not every day do we feel happy enough to dance our troubles away. However, if we ask Jesus—even figuratively—to dance with us, we will find a partner that is faithful and loving, and who will keep us moving in the right direction as we enjoy a holy rhythm.

In this world full of turmoil, we can turn to our Blessed Mother for help in praying to Jesus. The Rosary is a very useful tool, and the Mysteries of the Rosary are wonderful reminders of the great events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.

With the war waging in the Ukraine, I suggest praying with what I call five Miracle Mysteries of the Rosary. We recall just a few of the numerous miracles Jesus worked. A short meditation or prayer is added after each mystery. Of course, you can add your own thoughts and prayers.

Jesus heals the paralyzed man lowered through the roof. (Mark 2:1-12)

Mother Mary, pray for all those victims who are paralyzed with fear as they flee the ravages of war or shelter in place in their homeland. Ask your son to give them strength and courage to get through the challenges of uncertainty and danger.

Jesus heals blind Bartimaeus. (Mark 10:46-52)

Holy Mary, help us to see the needs of our brothers and sisters. Ask your son to open our eyes to ways in which we can assist people experiencing trauma and abandonment. Show us ways of feeding all who hunger and thirst for food and for freedom.

Jesus heals the woman who suffered with hemorrhages for 12 years. (Mark 5:25-34)

Gentle Mother, pray for us as we strive to assist those who are injured or sick in war-torn countries. Pray with us that Jesus will be especially merciful to those women and mothers who are engaged in the struggle or who are fending for themselves, their children, and elderly relatives as others defend their homeland.

Jesus heals 10 lepers and only one, a Samaritan, thanks him. (Luke 17:11-19)

Queen of Heaven, help us to be grateful for all our earthly blessings and for the best blessing of all, our Savior, your son. Jesus loves and heals people of all races and nationalities, and we pray for that same attitude of inclusivity. Mary, pray for open minds and open, softened hearts so that hostilities can end rapidly.

Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb after four days. (John 11:1-14)

Blessed Mother, your son died so that the doors of heaven would be open to us for all eternity. May those who have died in the invasion of Ukraine find eternal life with Jesus. Please ask your all-powerful son to help those who suffer to rise up with hope and trust in God..

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