Invitatory Psalm 95 Christ is born for us. Come let us adore Him.

Transcription

1 CHRISTMAS OCTAVE CHRISTMAS SOLEMNITY MONDAY DECEMBER 25 LAUDS O Abba, O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 95 Christ is born for us. Come let us adore Him.,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! 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.

2 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. And I swore in My anger that never would they come to My place of rest. Christ is born for us. Come let us adore Him. Glory be to You, Eternal Mother, and to You, the Beloved Son, and to You, Holy Spirit,

3 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 63: 1-9 Tell us, shepherds, what have you seen? Who has appeared on earth? We have seen a newborn infant, and a choir of angels praising,יהוה alleluia. 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.

4 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. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth. Tell us, shepherds, what have you seen? Who has appeared on earth? We have seen a newborn infant, and a choir of angels praising,יהוה alleluia. 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 The angel said to the shepherds: I proclaim to you a great joy. Today the Saviour of the world is born for you, alleluia. All you works of God, praise Her. Praise and exalt Her above all forever.

5 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. 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.

6 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. 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. The angel said to the shepherds: I proclaim to you a great joy. Today the Saviour of the world is born for you, alleluia. Glory be to You, the Father, and to You, the Son and to You, the Holy Spirit, one God, Mother of us all,

7 as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 149 To us a child is born. Today the Mighty God shares our humanity, alleluia. 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. 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.

8 This is glory for all Her faithful ones.!יהוה Praise To us a child is born. Today the Mighty God shares our humanity, alleluia. 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. READING Flocks feed by darkness with a noise of whispers, In the dry grass of pastures, And lull the solemn night with their weak bells. The little towns upon the rocky hills Look down as meek as children: Because they have seen come this holy time. God's glory, now, is kindled gentler than low candlelight Under the rafters of a barn: Eternal Peace is sleeping in the hay, And Wisdom's born in secret in a straw-roofed stable. And O! Make holy music in the stars,

9 You happy angels. You shepherds, gather on the hill. Look up, You timid flocks, where the three kings Are coming through the wintry trees; While we unnumbered children of the wicked centuries Come after with our penances and prayers, And lay them down in the sweet-smelling hay Beside the wise men's golden jars. "Carol" in The Collected Poems of Thomas Merton CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Glory to God in the highest. Peace to all people on earth, alleluia. 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,

10 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. darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace.

11 Glory to God in the highest. Peace to all people on earth, alleluia. 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.

12 PRAYER Morning has broken with new glory this Christmas day. We rejoice in our brother, Jesus. May we deepen our relationships with God and with one another in ever-growing love and reverence. This we ask through Jesus, born this day and through all ages. Amen. CHRISTMAS SOLEMNITY MONDAY DECEMBER 25 LECTIO DIVINA O God, Abba, come to my aid. O God, Amma, 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. CHRISTMAS SOLEMNITY MONDAY DECEMBER 25

13 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. 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,

14 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 that I do not walk alone. Day is here. I begin. CHRISTMAS SOLEMNITY MONDAY DECEMBER 25 VESPERS I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me, O Abba. Give ear to my voice when I call to You. Let my prayer be counted

15 as incense before You, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 110: 1-5, 7 You are honored by the Most High; before the dawning of time, before the creation of the sun, You were begotten, alleluia. 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 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.

16 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. You are honored by the Most High; before the dawning of time, before the creation of the sun, You were begotten, alleluia. Glory be to You, Our Creator, to You, Our Redeemer, and to You, Our Sustainer, as it was, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. Psalm 130 The love of God is eternal. The power of the Most High will not fail.,יהוה You, Out of the depths I cry to

17 hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.,יהוה If You should mark our iniquities, O who could stand? But with You is found forgiveness. For this we revere You..יהוה My soul waits for You, O In your Word I hope. My soul waits for You, more than those who watch for daybreak.!יהוה You, Let our people in our land hope in For with You,,יהוה there is steadfast love, and fullness of redemption. And You will redeem our home from all its iniquities. The love of God is eternal. The power of the Most High will not fail. 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,

18 is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Colossians 1: In the beginning was the Word, who is God. Today the Word comes to save the world. Let us give thanks to God for having made us worthy to share the inheritance of the saints in light. She had delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kindom of Her beloved Son, Jesus, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. In Jesus all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things visible and invisible. All things were created through Jesus. All were created for Jesus. Jesus is before all else that is. In Him all things hold together. Jesus is the head of the body, the church. Jesus is the beginning,

19 the firstborn from the dead, that in everything, He might be above all others. In Jesus all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him, to reconcile all things to God, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of His Cross. In the beginning was the Word, who is God. Today the Word comes to save the world. 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 God became human so that man and woman might become God. Beloved, our Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal creator of all things, today became our Saviour by being born of a mother. Of his own will he was born for us today, in time, so that he could lead us to God s eternity. God became man so that woman and man might become God. The Lord of

20 the angels became man today so that man and woman could eat the bread of angels. Today, the prophecy is fulfilled that said: Pour down, heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just one: let the earth be opened and bring forth a saviour. The God who had created all things is Herself now created, so that he and she who was lost would be found. Thus man and woman, in the words of the psalmist, confesses: Before I was humbled, I sinned. Man and woman sinned and became guilty; God is born man to free man and woman from their guilt. Man and woman fell, but God descended; man and woman fell miserably, but God descended mercifully; woman and man fell through pride, God descended with Her grace. My brethren, what miracles! From a sermon by Saint Augustine (words changed to recognize women) CANTICLE OF MARY Your Christ is born today and has appeared among us. All creation joins in song with angel choirs to sing your praise. Today your people delight in your glory, alleluia. My Soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit has rejoiced in You, my Savior,

21 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. Your Christ is born today and has appeared among us. All creation joins in song

22 with angel choirs to sing your praise. Today your people delight in your glory, alleluia. 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

23 O Holy Womb of God, birth each of us into your image and likeness that Christ may again reveal your love and concern to our world. We pray especially for all who are most vulnerable that they may experience your care. Grant this in the name of Jesus and through the intercession of all the children who play with You in your eternal home. Amen. CHRISTMAS SOLEMNITY MONDAY DECEMBER 25 COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. O God, Abba, 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.

24 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. 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

25 delight in your Will, and walk in your ways with a renewed heart. Amen. NIGHT PRAYER Keep watch, dear Abba, 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.

26 You have redeemed me, O Jesus. SAINT STEPHEN THE FIRST MARTYR TUESDAY DECEMBER 26 LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 95 Come, let us worship the newborn Christ who has given the glorious crown to Saint Stephen.,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! 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.

27 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. And I swore in My anger that never would they come to My place of rest. Come, let us worship the newborn Christ

28 who has given the glorious crown to Saint Stephen 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 63: 1-9 My soul has held fast to You, my God. For your sake I suffered death by stoning. 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.

29 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. But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth. My soul has held fast to You, my God. For your sake I suffered death by stoning. Glory be to You, Eternal Mother, and to You, the Beloved Son, and to You, Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Canticle: Daniel 3: 57-88, 56 Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God. 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.

30 Every shower and dew, praise Her. Give praise, all you winds. Praise, you fire and heat, cold and chill, dew and rain. 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,

31 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. 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. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God. 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

32 Behold I see the heavens open, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 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. 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 Behold I see the heavens open, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God

33 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. READING Closest to the newborn Savior we see St. Stephen. What secured the first martyr of the Crucified this place of honor? In youthful enthusiasm he accomplished what the Lord said upon His entrance into the world, "A body you have prepared for me. Behold, I come to fulfill your will. He followed Jesus Christ in what may be by nature the most difficult for the human heart, and even seems impossible: He fulfilled the command to love one's enemies as did the Savior Himself. The Child in the manger sees before Him in spirit all who will follow God's will, follow Him on this way. His heartbeat goes out to the youth whom He will one day await with a palm as the first to reach God's throne. His little hand points him out to us as an example, as if to say, "See the gold that I expect from you." Edith Stein: The Hidden Life CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Stephen prayed, "Lord, receive my spirit."

34 He entered heaven and was crowned the first of martyrs. 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, 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

35 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. darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace. Stephen prayed, "Lord, receive my spirit." He entered heaven and was crowned the first of martyrs. 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,

36 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 Eternal Mother and Father in One, as we celebrate your coming into our world, we also celebrate the feast of your martyr, Stephen. Give us the grace to understand both the joy and the cost of discipleship. We pray especially for all of our sisters and brothers who are serving You in life-threatening situations. This we ask through the intercession of Stephen and all who gave their lives for You. Amen. SAINT STEPHEN THE FIRST MARTYR TUESDAY DECEMBER 26

37 LECTIO DIVINA O God Amma, come to my aid. O God Abba, 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. SAINT STEPHEN THE FIRST MARTYR TUESDAY DECEMBER 26 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. 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.

38 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. Help me to have faith in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember that I do not walk alone.

39 Day is here. I begin. SAINT STEPHEN THE FIRST MARTYR TUESDAY DECEMBER 26 VESPERS I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me, O Abba. 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 116: 1-9 My soul has held fast to you, my God. For your sake I suffered death by stoning.,יהוה I love You, O for You have heard my voice and my supplications. You have inclined your ear to me. I will call on You as long as I live. The snares of death encompassed me.

40 The pangs of the grave laid hold on me. I suffered distress and anguish..יהוה Then I called on your name, O O,יהוה I pray, Save my life! Gracious are You,,יהוה and just, merciful and full of compassion. You, O,יהוה preserve those with simple hearts. When I was brought low, You saved me. Return, my soul, to your rest, for יהוה has dealt kindly with you, delivering my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.,יהוה I will walk before You, O in the land of the living. My soul has held fast to you, my God. For your sake I suffered death by stoning. 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.

41 Psalm 116: Stephen saw the heavens open. He saw and entered in. Happy those to whom the heavens opened. I kept faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted." I said in my dismay, "No one can be trusted.,יהוה What shall I render to You, O for all your goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on your holy Name.,יהוה You, I will make my vows to in the presence of all your people. Precious in your sight is the death of your faithful ones. Indeed, I am the seeker of your Will. You have loosened my bonds. I will offer sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on your holy Name.,יהוה You, I will make my vows to in the presence of all your people, in the courts of your holy house, in the midst of all your saints.

42 !יהוה Praise Stephen saw the heavens open. He saw and entered in. Happy those to whom the heavens opened. Glory to You, Source of all Being, Eternal Word and Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, forever and ever. Amen. Canticle: Revelations 4: 11, 5: 9, 10, 12 Behold I see the heavens open, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Worthy are You, Messiah, our God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You have created all things. By your will, they came to be and were made. Worthy are You to take the scroll and to open its seals, for You were slain, and by your blood, You purchased for God saints of every race and tongue, of every people and nation.

43 You have made of them a kindom, and priests to serve our God, and they shall reign on the earth. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and praise. Behold I see the heavens open, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Glory be to You, Our Creator, to You, Our Redeemer, and to You, Our Sustainer, as it was, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. READING At the Last Supper Jesus prayed that we all may be one. In fact we are one, and the challenge for us is to realize our unity and our connectedness, to realize that everything we do affects the entire world. My move to understand, to forgive, and to be compassionate toward another who annoys me can mobilize to mercy a soldier who is thousands of miles away. It can inspire mediation among world leaders. At any moment I can pour into the world

44 either love or hate energy. I can build or I can destroy. We are born of God's love, and we bear the power of that love. Carmelites of Indianapolis, Hidden Friends CANTICLE OF MARY The saints find their home in the kindom of heaven. Their life is eternal peace. 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.

45 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. The saints find their home in the kindom of heaven. Their life is eternal peace. 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

46 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 Eternal Mother and Father in One, as we celebrate your coming into our world, we also celebrate all martyrs who died in your name, who were born into eternal life. Give us the belief that You would give us their same strength if our faith were to come to that challenge that the martyrs faced bravely. We pray especially for all of our sisters and brothers who are serving You in lifethreatening situations. Be their strength and comfort. This we ask through the intercession of Stephen and all who gave their lives for You. Amen. SAINT STEPHEN THE FIRST MARTYR TUESDAY DECEMBER 26 COMPLINE

47 O God, Amma, come to my aid. O God, Abba, 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. Guide me to understanding as to where I have gone wrong, in my life and within me.

48 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 Abba, 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,

49 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 SAINT JOHN APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27 LAUDS O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise your Name. Invitatory Psalm 24

50 Come, let us worship,יהוה Sovereign of apostles. Yours is the earth and its fullness, the world and all who dwell there, for You have founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers.? יהוה Who shall climb your mountain, O Who shall stand in your holy place? Those with clean hands and pure hearts, who do not desire what is vain, who have not sworn so as to deceive their neighbors. They shall feel blessed by You, treated justly by a loving God. Like Jacob, this is a generation of seekers, a generation seeking your presence. Lift the gates of the world high! Let the gates of eternity be lifted high! Let enter the God of glory! Who is this God of glory? valiant, who is mighty and יהוה valiant against all injustice.

51 O gates, lift up your heads. Grow higher, ancient doors. Let enter the God of glory! Who is this God of glory? You, O,יהוה are Mother over all! You, O,יהוה are Father of Glory! Come, let us worship,יהוה Sovereign of apostles Glory be to You, Our Mothering God, and to You, Our Mothering Christ, and to You, Our Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Psalm 63: 1-9 John, evangelist and apostle, was beloved of Christ. 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.

52 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. 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. John, evangelist and apostle, was beloved of Christ. 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 Christ on the cross put the care of his mother, Mary, into the hands of John. All you works of God, praise Her.

53 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. 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.

54 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. 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. Christ on the cross put the care of his mother, Mary, into the hands of John. 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,

55 is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 149 The disciple whom Jesus loved said: He is our God! 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. 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

56 The disciple whom Jesus loved said: It is our God! 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. READING I have been speaking mainly of the wine of suffering. Now I want to speak of the oil of joy. It was of this oil that Saint John said, "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but you know it and because no lie comes from the truth," etc. (1 Jn 1: 20-21). And then a little later he says, the anointing you have received from God remains with you, and you have no need of someone to teach you. What the anointing teaches you is truth and not falsehood. So hold fast to what you have been taught. Leonhard Schiemer, Early Anabaptist Spirituality CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have witnessed the glory of God bestowed on Jesus.

57 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, 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

58 ,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. darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have witnessed the glory of God bestowed on Jesus. 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:

59 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 Eternal Mother and Father in One, You have revealed the mysteries of your Word through John the apostle. Through prayer and reflection, may we come to understand his writings. We ask this through Jesus, the Word, through the Holy Spirit, your Wisdom. Amen. FEAST OF SAINT JOHN APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27 LECTIO DIVINA

60 O God Amma, come to my aid. O God Abba, 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 SAINT JOHN APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27 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. 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.

61 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. Help me to have faith in my unseen tapestry. Help me to remember that I do not walk alone.

62 Day is here. I begin. FEAST OF SAINT JOHN APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27 VESPERS I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me, O Abba. 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 116: John, the apostle and evangelist, was beloved by Jesus. I kept faith, even when I said, "I am greatly afflicted." I said in my dismay, "No one can be trusted.,יהוה What shall I render to You, O

63 for all your goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on your holy Name.,יהוה You, I will make my vows to in the presence of all your people. Precious in your sight is the death of your faithful ones. Indeed, I am the seeker of your Will. You have loosened my bonds. I will offer sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on your holy Name.,יהוה You, I will make my vows to in the presence of all your people, in the courts of your holy house, in the midst of all your saints.!יהוה Praise John, the apostle and evangelist, was beloved by Jesus. 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 126 Dying on the cross, Christ entrusted his mother to John.

64 When יהוה restored the fortunes of our land, it seemed like a dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy. Then they said among the nations, them. has done great things for יהוה us! has done great things for יהוה Indeed we are glad.,יהוה Restore our fortunes, O like the streams in the desert! May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! They that go forth weeping, bearing seed for the sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing their sheaves with them. Dying on the cross, Christ entrusted his mother to John. 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,

65 world without end. Amen. Canticle: Ephesians 1: 3-10 John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, cried out: He is our God, alleluia. Blessed be You, the Father, the Mother of Jesus, our Christ. You have blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens. You have chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless in your sight. We have been predestined to be your children through Jesus Christ. Such was the purpose of your Will, that all might praise the glorious favor bestowed on us in Christ. In Christ and through His blood, we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of divine grace

66 lavished upon us, for You have made known to us in all wisdom and insight, the mystery of the plan set forth in Christ, a plan to be carried out in Christ, in the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth. John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, cried out: He is our God, alleluia. 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. READING Through John we know how we are to participate as our destiny in the life of Christ-as a branch of the divine vine-and in the life of the triune God. While he was alive, he was permitted to see the Incarnate God as the judge of the world in order to paint for us the mighty, enigmatic images of the mysterious revelation of the final days. He showed us this in that book which, like none other, can teach us to understand the chaos of this time as a part of the

67 great battle between Christ and the Antichrist, a book of relentless solemnity and consoling promise. Edith Stein: The Hidden Life CANTICLE OF MARY The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, alleluia. 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.

68 You, remembering your mercy, have helped your people, as You promised Sarah and Abraham, mercy to their children, forever. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, alleluia. 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

69 as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER: O Eternal Mother and Father in One, as evening comes, we thank You for the gift of Christ, the Light of the World. We thank You for the early followers of Jesus who passed the light on to us. May we be light for our world, as John was, that all may know that You live and dwell among us. Grant this through Jesus and all who preached in His name. Amen. FEAST OF SAINT JOHN APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 27 COMPLINE O God, Amma, come to my aid. O God, Abba, make haste to help me. Psalm 63: 1-9 I am encircled by the arms of the mystery of God.