EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY VESPERS I

Transcription

1 EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY VESPERS I I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me. Give ear to my voice when I call to You. Let my prayer be counted as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 119: Your Word, O,יהוה is a light for my path. You bring a lamp to my feet,יהוה and a light for my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to observe your desires for me, your commandments. I am sorely afflicted. Give me life, O,יהוה according to Your Word!,יהוה Accept my offerings of praise, O and teach me your law. Though I hold my life in my hands, I do not forget your law.

2 Though the wicked try to ensnare me, I do not stray from your precepts. Your Will is my heritage forever, the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to carry out Your Will forever, to endless ages. Your Word, O,יהוה is a light for my path. Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 16 I have given you as a covenant to the people. Preserve me, O God, for in You I take refuge. I say to You: ''You are my Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer. I have no good apart from You." All my delight is in your saints, the faithful who dwell in your land. Those who choose things of this world as gods

3 increase their sorrows. I will not pour out words of longing for those nor take their names upon my lips as praise. You,,יהוה are my portion and my cup. You are my fortune, my prize. My life s boundaries have been placed for me in pleasant places. I have been given a welcome heritage. I will bless You who give me counsel. In the night my heart instructs me. I keep You always before me. Because You are near, I shall stand firm. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices. Even my body rests securely, for You do not give me up to death, nor let your faithful see the grave. You will show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy, in your hands, happiness forever. I have given you as a covenant to the people. Glory be to You, Our Creator, to You, Our Redeemer,

4 and to You, Our Sustainer, as it was, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. Canticle: Philippians 2:6-11 For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Though he was in the form of God, Jesus did not count equality with God, something to be grasped at. But emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. Being found in human estate, He humbled himself and became obedient, obediently accepting death, even death on a cross! Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name above every other name. So that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven, on the earth, and under the earth,

5 and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God: Jesus Christ is Lord! For me to live is Christ and to die is gain. Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING The Eucharist sets us on the way to a future we have to build. During its celebration we realize sacramentally the one body of Christ we do not yet manage to realize in the concreteness of our everyday life. Every time this celebration occurs we experience the tension between the past, the present, and the future. We remember now what happened before in view of the future to come. Our future is bound up with that past. Celebrating the Eucharist we go back to a past that we have to turn into our future. It is not without reason that the Eucharist is often called Mass, or mission. We are on a mission. Joseph G. Donders, Risen Life CANTICLE OF MARY

6 Ask where your treasure is. There will your heart be also. My Soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit has rejoiced in You, my Savior, for your regard has blessed me, poor, and a serving woman. From this day all generations will call me blessed, for You who are mighty, have made me great. Most Holy be your Name. Your mercy is on those who fear You throughout all generations. You have shown strength with your arm. You have scattered the proud in their hearts' fantasy. You have put down the mighty from their seat, and have lifted up the powerless. You have filled the hungry with good things, and have sent the rich away empty. You, remembering your mercy, have helped your people, as you promised Sarah and Abraham, mercy to their children, forever.

7 Ask where your treasure is. There will your heart be also. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray. OUR MOTHER Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say: Amma in heaven, Holy is Thy name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER

8 O Holy One, we long to love You with all our heart and mind and soul, but we are divided everywhere in our bodies and our souls. Have our hearts always focused on You. Give us a mind with your Wisdom. Give us a soul full of trust and love. Make us one as You are one with Jesus and your Holy Spirit. Amen. EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SATURDAY COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Psalm 63: 1-9 I am encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. My soul feasts on You and my mouth praises You, as I think of You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night. For You have been my help. In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You. Your hand upholds me.

9 All are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. NIGHTLY EXAMEN O Wisdom, Give me strength to look at your gift of my day with your eyes, not merely my own. Help me in my remembering each moment, especially my deeper emotions. Guide me to understanding as to where I have gone wrong, in my life and within me. Have my confession be sincere and trusting in your mercy and love. Enlighten me as to where I need to change for tomorrow. ACT OF CONFESSION Most merciful Amma, I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved You with my whole heart. I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. Have mercy on me and forgive me, so that I may delight in your Will, and walk in your ways with a renewed heart. Amen.

10 NIGHT PRAYER Keep watch, dear Amma, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, dear Amma. Give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. CANTICLE OF SIMEON Amma, You can now release me from my waiting forwardly, release me in peace as You promised, for my eyes have seen your saving light which You have prepared for all peoples. FINAL PRAYER Into your hands, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Jesus.

11 EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SUNDAY LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise Your Name. Invitatory Psalm 100 This is the day which יהוה has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. We cry out with joy to You, O,יהוה all the earth..יהוה We worship You with gladness, O We come before You, singing for joy. We know that You,,יהוה are God. You made us. We belong to You. We are your people, the women and men and children held within your Hands. We pass into your gardens, giving thanks. We enter your Home with songs of praise. We give thanks to You and bless your Name.

12 ,יהוה You, Indeed, how good are eternal your merciful love. You are faithful from age to age. This is the day which יהוה has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Glory to You, Source of all Being, and to You, Eternal Word and to You, Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, forever and ever. Amen. Psalm 118 Let everyone who thirst, come to the water. good, we give thanks to You, for You are,יהוה and your steadfast love endures forever. Let our descendants say, ''Your steadfast love endures forever." Let the descendants of all women and men say, ''Your steadfast love endures forever." Let those who fear You,,יהוה say, ''Your steadfast love endures forever..יהוה You, In my distress, I called to

13 You answered me and set me free. With You at my side, I do not fear. What can anyone do against me? You,,יהוה are at my side to help me. I shall withstand all evildoers.,יהוה It is better to take refuge in You, O than to trust in people.,יהוה It is better to take refuge in You, O than to trust in our leaders. All wickedness surrounded me. In Your Name,,יהוה I crushed it. It surrounded me like bees. It blazed like a fire among thorns. In Your Name,,יהוה I crushed it. I was pushed hard, and was falling, but You came to help me. You are my strength and my song. You are my salvation. triumphed. You have,יהוה Your judgement and your wisdom is exalted. You have triumphed over all. I shall not die. I shall live and recount your wondrous deeds. You,,יהוה have chastened me sorely,

14 but have not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of justice, that I may enter and give thanks..יהוה gate, This is your The just shall enter through it. I thank You for You have answered me. You alone are my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone..יהוה doing, This is your It is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which You,,יהוה have made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it..יהוה Save us, we beseech You, O O,יהוה grant us success..יהוה Blessed is the one who comes in The Name of Blessed are those who enter in Your Holy Name, for You, O,יהוה are our God, and You have given us light. Let us go forward in procession with branches, up to your holy altar.

15 You are my God, I thank You. You are my God, I praise You. We give thanks to You,,יהוה for You are good, and your steadfast love endures forever. Let everyone who thirst, come to the water. Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Daniel 3: Be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature created after the likeness of God. Blessed are You, God of our ancestors, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. Blessed be your Holy and Glorious Name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages. Blessed are You in the temple of your glory, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. Blessed are You on the throne of your kindom,

16 praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. Blessed are You who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever. Blessed are You in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever. Blessed are You by all your works. We praise and exalt You above all forever. Be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new nature created after the likeness of God. Glory be to You, the Source of all Being and to You, the Eternal Word and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 150 Your life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions.!יהוה Praise We praise You,,יהוה in your sanctuary. We praise You in your mighty heavens. We praise You for your powerful deeds.

17 We praise You according to your greatness. We praise You with trumpet sound. We praise You with lute and harp! We praise You with strings and pipe! We praise You with sounding cymbals, We praise You with clashing cymbals! Let everything that breathes,.יהוה You, give praise to!יהוה Praise Your life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor

18 life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, not things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35, CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life. Blessed are you, God of our homes, our lands, for You have visited and redeemed your people, and have raised up a sign of strength for us in the midst of our lives of toil. As You spoke through the mouths of your holy prophets from of old, we are now to be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all which oppresses us. Now your mercy is given to us, as promised to our ancestors. Now your holy covenant is remembered, the oath You swore to Sarah and Abraham, to grant us deliverance from evil, so that we might serve You without fear,

19 in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. And you, child, will be called the prophet of God Most High, for you will go before Our Holy One to prepare יהוה s ways, to give knowledge of salvation to all people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the loving-kindness,יהוה of the heart of who visits us like the dawn from on high. darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray. OUR MOTHER

20 Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say: Amma in heaven, Holy is Thy name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER Mother, you challenge us to seek what eyes cannot see and ears cannot hear. Help us to keep our eyes on Jesus, to listen to His words, and then live His challenge of love. So may we praise You now and in eternity. Amen. EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

21 SUNDAY LECTIO DIVINA O God Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Wisdom, I rest in Your embrace. Help me to let go of words when they no longer are necessary. Have me remember that You are with me in both words and silence. EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SUNDAY MIDDAY PRAYER O God Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. ANGELUS The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

22 Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your Word. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt amongst us. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we might be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Help me to have faith in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember

23 that I do not walk alone. Day is here. I begin. EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SUNDAY VESPERS II I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me. Give ear to my voice when I call to You. Let my prayer be counted as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 110:1-5, 7 When Christ our life appears, then we will also appear with Him in glory. One: s revelation to the Anointed יהוה "Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies a stool for your feet. will send forth from Her Home יהוה

24 your chalice of power. Hold it high over your enemies. Your people will give themselves freely on the day you lead your host upon the holy mountains. From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you. heart, has sworn, and She will not change יהוה ''You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek. The Anointed, standing at your side, on the day of wrath, will shatter those who believe they rule. He exacts judgement from the nations, fills the valleys with corpses of evil, smashes their heads across the great earth. He will drink from the stream by the path. Therefore he will lift up his head. When Christ our life appears, then we will also appear with Him in glory. Glory be to You, Our Creator, to You, Our Redeemer,

25 and to You, Our Sustainer, as it was, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. Psalm 115 This is the work of God, that you believe in the One whom God has sent. Not to us,,יהוה not to us, but to Your Name give glory for the sake of your love and your truth! Why should the nations say, "Where is their God? Our God is in the heavens. She does whatever She pleases. Others idols, desired treasures of this world, are silver and gold, only the work of human hands. They are worshiped for their mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They are worshiped for their ears, but cannot hear, worshiped for their noses, but cannot smell. They are worshiped for having hands,

26 but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk. No sound comes from their throats. Those who place them before all people to be worshiped and desired, are empty, like the idols, the desired treasures of this world. So are all who trust in them.,יהוה O you chosen people of trust in Her who is your help and your shield. Descendants of the first priests, trust in,יהוה who is your help and your shield.,יהוה trust in,יהוה You who fear who is your help and your shield. us. been mindful of us and will bless יהוה She will bless the chosen people of God. She will bless the priests of the chosen people. She will bless those who fear Her Name, both great and small. May יהוה give you increase, you and all your children. May you be blessed by the Most High, who made heaven and earth! The heavens are יהוה s heavens,

27 but the earth She has given to us.,יהוה The dead do not praise nor those who go down into silence.,יהוה But we who live, bless both now and forever. Amen.!יהוה Praise This is the work of God, that you believe in the One whom God has sent. Glory be to You, Eternal Mother, and to You, Her beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Revelations 19:1, 5-7 Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, that your soul may live. Salvation, glory, and power belong to You. Your judgments are honest and true. All of us, ready to do Your Will, sing praise to You. We worship You reverently, both great and small. You, our Almighty God,

28 are Creator of heaven and earth. Let us rejoice and exult, and give You glory. The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun, and the bride has made herself ready. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, that your soul may live. Glory be to You, Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord Jesus: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds. That is not the way you learned Christi For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus. You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4: 17, 20-24

29 CANTICLE OF MARY Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, alien, slave or free person, but Christ is all and in all. My Soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit has rejoiced in You, my Savior, for your regard has blessed me, poor, and a serving woman. From this day all generations will call me blessed, for You who are mighty, have made me great. Most Holy be your Name. Your mercy is on those who fear You throughout all generations. You have shown strength with your arm. You have scattered the proud in their hearts' fantasy. You have put down the mighty from their seat, and have lifted up the powerless. You have filled the hungry with good things, and have sent the rich away empty. You, remembering your mercy,

30 have helped your people, as you promised Sarah and Abraham, mercy to their children, forever. Here there cannot be Greek and Jew, alien, slave or free person, but Christ is all and in all. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray. OUR MOTHER Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say: Amma in heaven, Holy is Thy name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses

31 as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER God of mystery, God of Love, send your Wisdom into our hearts, so that we can rest from our labors of the day, and understand the movements of your Wisdom that came to us in the daylight hours. Give us a discerning heart that we can see our own sin that kept us from truly seeing others and listening to their need. We ask You to give us a heart always in prayer and in communion with Jesus who awakens us to see and to hear, with the Holy Spirit. Amen. EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SUNDAY COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Psalm 63: 1-9 I am encircled by the arms of the mystery of God.

32 My soul feasts on You and my mouth praises You, as I think of You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night. For You have been my help. In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You. Your hand upholds me. All are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. NIGHTLY EXAMEN O Wisdom, Give me strength to look at your gift of my day with your eyes, not merely my own. Help me in my remembering each moment, especially my deeper emotions. Guide me to understanding as to where I have gone wrong, in my life and within me. Have my confession be sincere and trusting in your mercy and love. Enlighten me as to where I need to change for tomorrow.

33 ACT OF CONFESSION Most merciful Amma, I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved You with my whole heart. I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. Have mercy on me and forgive me, so that I may delight in delight in your Will, and walk in your ways with a renewed heart. Amen. NIGHT PRAYER Keep watch, dear Amma, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, dear Amma. Give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. CANTICLE OF SIMEON Amma, You can now release me

34 from my waiting forwardly, release me in peace as You promised, for my eyes have seen your saving light which You have prepared for all peoples. FINAL PRAYER Into your hands, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Jesus. EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME MONDAY LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise Your Name. Invitatory Psalm 95 Jesus, show us your face, the human face of God s mercy.,יהוה You, Come, let us sing with joy to calling out to Our Rock who protects us. Let us move closer to your Holy presence with gratitude, and in our psalms sing joyously to You!

35 For You,,יהוה are great, with supreme power over all the other things we deem powerful in our lives. The depths of the earth are in your hands. The peaks of the mountains are yours. The sea is yours, for You made it. Your hands formed dry land. So come, let us worship, kneel, bow before You,,יהוה our Creator. You are our God and we are the people You tend, the people held within your hands. If only we finally heed your voice: Oh do not harden your hearts, as you did in the desert wilderness where your ancestors tried and tested Me though they had seen My marvelous acts. All forty years I strove with that generation who wandered in the desert, till I said, These people have errant hearts. They will never honor My Ways.

36 And I swore in My anger that never would they come to My place of rest. Jesus, show us your face, the human face of God s mercy. Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 42 When from this exile shall we behold You face to face? Like the deer that yearns for flowing streams, so my soul is longing for You, my God. My soul is thirsting for my God, the living God. When shall I come and see the face of God? My tears have become my food by night and day, while I hear it said all day, "Where is your God? These things will I remember as I pour out my soul: how I led the throng to the house of God with shouts of gladness and songs of thanksgiving, the multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down my soul,

37 why disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I will again praise Her, my help and my God. My soul is cast down within me, therefore I think of You from the far lands, from all lands. Deep calls to deep, in the thunder of your waters. All your waves and your billows have swept over me. By day You,,יהוה will send me your steadfast love, and at night your song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. I will say to You, my God, my Rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of oppression?" As with a deadly wound, my adversaries taunt me, saying to me all the day long: "Where is your God? Why are you cast down, my soul, why disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Her,

38 my help and my God. When from this exile shall we behold You face to face? Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Sirach 36: 1-5, Worker of wonders, show forth your splendor! Come to our aid, O God of the universe, and put all the nations in dread of You! Raise your hand toward the unbelievers, that they may realize your power. As You have used us to show them your holiness, so now use them to show us your glory. Thus they will know, as we know, that there is no god but You. Give new signs and work new wonders. Show forth the splendor of the works of your hands.

39 Gather all the scattered tribes, that they may come to their land. Show mercy to the people called by your Name: Israel, whom You named your first-born, and all the peoples from everywhere. Take pity on all of us in each of our lands, your dwelling place among all lands. Fill our lands with your majesty, your temple with your glory. Worker of wonders, show forth your splendor! Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Psalm 19: 1-6 The vaults of heaven ring with the praise of God. The courts of heaven ring with praise of God. The heavens tell of Her glory. and the firmament proclaims Her handiwork. Day unto day pours forth the story and night unto night reveals its knowledge. No speech, no word, no voice is heard,

40 yet their voice goes out to all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them She set a tent for the sun. It comes forth like a bridegroom. It comes forth like a bride leaving her chamber, rejoices like a champion running its course. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its course to the end of them. There is nothing concealed from its heat. The teaching of יהוה is perfect and revives the soul. The decrees of יהוה are sure and give wisdom to the innocent. The statutes of יהוה are just and rejoice the heart. The instructions of יהוה are clear and give light to the eyes. The fear of יהוה is pure and endures for ever. The judgments of יהוה are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, sweeter far than honey,

41 than honey in the comb. By all these things, those seeking your Will are enlightened, and in keeping them, there is great reward. Who can tell how often one offends? Cleanse me from my secret faults. Above all, keep those who seek your Will from presumptuous sins. Let them not get dominion over me. Then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O,יהוה my rock and my redeemer..יהוה The vaults of heaven ring with the praise of Glory be You, our Mother and Father in One, and to You, the Beloved Son and to You, Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. READING

42 I saw that God is everything which is good, as I understand. And in this God showed me something small, no bigger than a hazelnut, lying in the palm of my hand, as it seemed to me, and it was as round as a ball. I looked at it with the eye of my understanding and thought: What can this be? I was amazed that it could last, for I thought that because of its littleness it would suddenly have fallen into nothing. And I was answered in my understanding: It lasts and always will, because God loves it; and thus everything has being through the love of God. Julian of Norwich, Showings CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Blessed be יהוה who has visited us and saved us. Blessed are You, God of our homes, our lands, for You have visited and redeemed your people, and have raised up a sign of strength for us in the midst of our lives of toil. As You spoke through the mouths of your holy prophets from of old,

43 we are now to be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all which oppresses us. Now your mercy is given to us, as promised to our ancestors. Now your holy covenant is remembered, the oath You swore to Sarah and Abraham, to grant us deliverance from evil, so that we might serve You without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. And you, child, will be called the prophet of God Most High, for you will go before Our Holy One to prepare יהוה s ways, to give knowledge of salvation to all people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the loving-kindness,יהוה of the heart of who visits us like the dawn from on high. darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace.

44 Blessed be יהוה who has visited us and saved us. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray. OUR MOTHER Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say: Amma in heaven, Holy is Thy Name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER Eternal Mother and Father in One, You have created

45 us in your image and we long to see your human face. Help us to remember that, in walking the way of your Word, we will see your face in the world around us. Grant us this peace in the Name of Jesus. Amen. EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME MONDAY LECTIO DIVINA O God Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Wisdom, I rest in Your embrace. Help me to let go of words when they no longer are necessary. Have me remember that You are with me in both words and silence. EIGHTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME MONDAY MIDDAY PRAYER O God Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me.

46 ANGELUS The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to your Word. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt amongst us. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.

47 Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we might be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Help me to have faith in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember that I do not walk alone. Day is here. I begin. FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION MONDAY VESPERS I I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me. Give ear to my voice when I call to You. Let my prayer be counted as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

48 Psalm 113 The skies opened and I saw the Holy One receive from God dominion, glory and power. We who long to fulfill your Will,!יהוה You, we praise We praise your Holy Name!,יהוה Name, Blessed be Your from now and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, Your Name is to be praised! You, O,יהוה are high above all peoples and their lands, and your glory above the heavens! Who is like unto You,,יהוה our God, who is seated upon the heights, who looks far down upon us, upon the heavens and the earth? You raise the poor from the dust, lift the needy from the ash heap, to set them in the company of rulers, with the rulers of your people. To the barren You give a home, and gladden their hearts with children.!יהוה Praise

49 The skies opened and I saw the Holy One receive from God dominion, glory and power. Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 117 The reign of Christ is everlasting. It shall never pass away. Praise,יהוה all you lands! Acclaim Her, all you peoples! For great is Her love for us, and the faithfulness of יהוה endures forever.!יהוה Praise The reign of Christ is everlasting. It shall never pass away. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always,

50 and unto the ages of ages. Canticle: Revelations 19: 1, 5-7 The heavens proclaim the goodness of God. All peoples behold God's glory. Salvation, glory, and power belong to You. Your judgments are honest and true. All of us, ready to do your Will, sing praise to You. We worship You reverently, both great and small. You, our Almighty God, are Creator of heaven and earth. Let us rejoice and exult, and give You glory. The wedding feast of the Lamb has begun, and the bride has made herself ready. The heavens proclaim the goodness of God. All peoples behold God's glory. Glory be to You, the Eternal Mother, and to You, Beloved Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

51 READING Heavenly glory does not come from outside like a whirlwind to whisk us off the planet earth in a shock of wonder; rather, it is already developing within us like seed planted within mother earth still surrounded with darkness. Occasionally its inspirations and insights, its secret hopes and joys, break through and transfigure, at least momentarily, the surface doldrums of our life. These are those wonderful yet awesome moments when God summons us to leap beyond all earthly limitations and with our earthly body to perform heroic deeds. These moments are fleeting dreams come true. Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP, Biblical Mediations for Lent CANTICLE OF MARY As Jesus stood transformed before them, the disciples were overcome with awe. My Soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit has rejoiced in You, my Savior, for your regard has blessed me, poor, and a serving woman. From this day all generations will call me blessed, for You who are mighty,

52 have made me great. Most Holy be Your Name. Your mercy is on those who fear You throughout all generations. You have shown strength with your arm. You have scattered the proud in their hearts' fantasy. You have put down the mighty from their seat, and have lifted up the powerless. You have filled the hungry with good things, and have sent the rich away empty. You, remembering your mercy, have helped your people, as You promised Sarah and Abraham, mercy to their children, forever. As Jesus stood transformed before them, the disciples were overcome with awe. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray.

53 OUR MOTHER Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say: Amma in heaven, Holy is Thy Name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER O Christ, You gave comfort and strength to your apostles through the vision of your transfiguration. Have mercy on us, and show yourself to all who face suffering and death for the cause of truth. Bless us all with the hope of resurrection. This we ask through the power of your Name. Amen.

54 FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION MONDAY COMPLINE I O God, Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Psalm 63: 1-9 I am encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. My soul feasts on You and my mouth praises You, as I think of You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night. For You have been my help. In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You. Your hand upholds me. All are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. NIGHTLY EXAMEN O Wisdom, Give me strength to look at your gift of my day with your eyes, not merely my own. Help me in my remembering each moment, especially my deeper emotions.

55 Guide me to understanding as to where I have gone wrong, in my life and within me. Have my confession be sincere and trusting in your mercy and love. Enlighten me as to where I need to change for tomorrow. ACT OF CONFESSION Most merciful Amma, I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved You with my whole heart. I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. Have mercy on me and forgive me, so that I may delight in your Will, and walk in your ways with a renewed heart. Amen. NIGHT PRAYER Keep watch, dear Amma, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, dear Amma. Give rest to the weary,

56 bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen. CANTICLE OF SIMEON Amma, You can now release me from my waiting forwardly, release me in peace as You promised, for my eyes have seen your saving light which You have prepared for all peoples. FINAL PRAYER Into your hands, I commend my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Jesus. FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION TUESDAY LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise Your Name. Invitatory Psalm 100

57 This is the day which יהוה has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. We cry out with joy to You, O,יהוה all the earth..יהוה We worship You with gladness, O We come before You, singing for joy. We know that You,,יהוה are God. You made us. We belong to You. We are your people, the women and men and children held within your Hands. We pass into your gardens, giving thanks. We enter your Home with songs of praise. We give thanks to You and bless Your Name.,יהוה You, Indeed, how good are eternal your merciful love. You are faithful from age to age. This is the day which יהוה has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son, and to You, the Holy Spirit,

58 one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 63:1-9 Jesus received glory and praise from the Most High. O God, You are my God, I long for You. My soul thirsts for You. My body seeks for You, as in a dry and weary land without water. So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary, beholding your power and your glory. For your constant love is better than life. My lips will sing your praises. So I will bless You as long as I live. I will lift up my hands and call on Your Name. My soul feasts on You and my mouth praises You, as I think of You upon my bed, and meditate on You in the watches of the night. For You have been my help.

59 In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to You. Your hand upholds me. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth. Jesus received glory and praise from the Most High. Glory be to You, the Mothering God, and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Canticle: Daniel 3:57-88, 56 Jesus was transfigured in the sight of the disciples. All you works of God, praise Her. Praise and exalt Her above all forever. All you angels, sing Her praise, you heavens and waters above. Sun and moon, and stars of heaven, sing praise with the heavenly hosts. Every shower and dew, praise Her. Give praise, all you winds. Praise, you fire and heat, cold and chill, dew and rain.

60 Frost and chill, praise Her. Praise God, ice and snow. Nights and days, sing hymns of praise, light and darkness, lightnings and clouds. Let all the earth bless Her. Praise and exalt God above all forever. Let all that grows from the earth give praise together with mountains and hills. Give praise you springs, you seas and rivers, dolphins and all water creatures. Let birds of the air, beasts wild and tame, together with all living peoples, praise and exalt Her above all forever..יהוה O All Lands, praise Praise and exalt Her above all forever. Give praise you priests, servants of the Most High, spirits and souls of the just. Holy ones of humble heart, sing your hymns of praise. Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, praise Her. Praise and exalt her above all forever. Sing praise to Her and highly exalt Her forever.

61 Let us bless God, Holy Mystery, Source of All Being, Word, and Spirit. Let us praise and exalt God above all forever. Blessed are You, O God, in the firmament of heaven. Praiseworthy and glorious and exalted above all forever. Jesus was transfigured in the sight of the disciples. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son and to You, the Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 149 Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Praise!יהוה Sing praise to Her. Give praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let the people of the land be glad in its maker.

62 Let Zion's heirs exult in the Most High. Let them praise God s Name with dancing, and make music with timbrel and harp. For You,,יהוה take delight in your people. You adorn the humble with victory. Let the faithful exult in their glory. In their rest, let them sing for joy. Let the praises of God be on their lips and two-edged swords in their hands, to wreak vengeance on all that is wicked, and chastisement on all injustice, to bind what is evil in chains and oppression in fetters of iron, to carry out the sentence preordained. This is glory for all Her faithful ones.!יהוה Praise Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Glory be to You, the Source of All Being, to You, the Love Incarnate, and to You, O Wisdom, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

63 READING When we make an ultimate act of faith, summoned from the most hidden mysterious depths of our person, then like Jesus we are transfigured. Everything comes together for we are at the pith point of all existence in ourselves and in God. In Jesus the transfiguration scene absorbs words and ideas from the Baptism of Jesus, his agony in the garden, the messianic confession of Peter, his death on the cross. We, too, if we share with Jesus the same faithful consecration to God's will, will find our own entire life converging. From beginning to end it will be translucent with God's presence. Carroll Stuhlmueller, CP, Biblical Meditations for Lent CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Light dawns for the upright, and joy for the pure of heart. Blessed are You, God of our homes, our lands, for You have visited and redeemed your people, and have raised up a sign of strength for us in the midst of our lives of toil. As You spoke through the mouths of your holy prophets from of old, we are now to be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all which oppresses us.

64 Now your mercy is given to us, as promised to our ancestors. Now your holy covenant is remembered, the oath You swore to Sarah and Abraham, to grant us deliverance from evil, so that we might serve You without fear, in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives. And you, child, will be called the prophet of God Most High, for you will go before Our Holy One to prepare יהוה s ways, to give knowledge of salvation to all people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the loving-kindness,יהוה of the heart of who visits us like the dawn from on high. darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace. Light dawns for the upright, and joy for the pure of heart.

65 INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray. OUR MOTHER Jesus taught us to call God Abba. The Holy Spirit is teaching us to also call God Amma, and so we, as women, have the courage to say: Amma in heaven, Holy is Thy Name. Your reign is coming. Your Will is being done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us bread for our needs day by day. Forgive us our offenses as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER O Christ, coming down from the mountain, the disciples saw "only Jesus!" Enable us to recognize the presence of the transcendent in the ordinary and

66 the mundane, knowing that You are with us in all the circumstances of our lives. We ask this that we might give You glory in all that we do. Amen. FEAST OF TRANSFIGURATION TUESDAY LECTIO DIVINA O God Amma, come to my aid. Make haste to help me. Wisdom, I rest in Your embrace. Help me to let go of words when they no longer are necessary. Have me remember that You are with me in both words and silence. FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION TUESDAY MIDDAY PRAYER ANGELUS The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, And she conceived of the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee.

67 Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. And the Word was made flesh. And dwelt amongst us. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. That we might be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

68 Help me to have faith in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember that I do not walk alone. Day is here. I begin. FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION TUESDAY VESPERS II I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me. Give ear to my voice when I call to You. Let my prayer be counted as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 110: 1-5, 7 Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John and went up on the mountain to pray. One: s revelation to the Anointed יהוה

69 "Sit at my right hand till I make your enemies a stool for your feet. will send forth from Her Home יהוה your chalice of power. Hold it high over your enemies. Your people will give themselves freely on the day You lead your host upon the holy mountains. From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you. heart, has sworn, and She will not change יהוה ''You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek. The Anointed, standing at your side, on the day of wrath, will shatter those who believe they rule. He exacts judgement from the nations, fills the valleys with corpses of evil, smashes their heads across the great earth. He will drink from the stream by the path. Therefore he will lift up his head.