SOLEMNITY of the BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST SATURDAY VESPERS I

Transcription

1 TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME SOLEMNITY of the BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST SATURDAY VESPERS I 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 113 We give glory to You: Creator, Redeemer, Spirit of Life, one Eternal Mother forever, alleluia. 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,

2 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 We give glory to You: Creator, Redeemer, Spirit of Life, one Eternal Mother forever, alleluia. 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 146 John, who went before the Promised One, was born when his mother was old

3 and considered incapable of bearing a child.!יהוה Praise!יהוה My soul, give praise to I will praise יהוה as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God while I have being. Put no trust in rulers, in mortal flesh in whom there is no help. When their breath departs, they return to the earth. On that day their plans perish. Happy are they whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in,יהוה their God, who alone made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them, who keeps faith forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. For You,,יהוה set prisoners free. You,,יהוה open the eyes of the blind. You,,יהוה lift up those who are bowed down. You,,יהוה love the upright of heart. You,,יהוה watch over the sojourners,

4 uphold the bereaved and the orphaned. ever, You will reign forever and,יהוה O Zion, through all generations.!יהוה Praise John, who went before the Promised One, was born when his mother was old and considered incapable of bearing a child. Glory be to You, the Source of all Being and to your Eternal Word and to your Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. Canticle: Ephesians 1: 3-10 Among those born of women, there was no man greater than John the Baptist. Blessed be You, the Father, the Mother of Jesus, our Christ. You have blessed us in Christ

5 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 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. Among those born of women, there was no man greater than John the Baptist. Glory be to You, the Mothering God,

6 and to You, the Mothering Christ, and to You, the Mothering Spirit, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. READING In terms of Her Church, our community, we may be blind to a lot of things. We may fail to see what we really need, what we need to change, what we need to repent for and what sort of person or persons should lead us, what statutes should govern us. Let us pray to God that She give us the wisdom to design what will be best for our community to provide it with new life, the vibrancy it needs and the courage not to be cold and indifferent, but to be able to stand by what is right in Her eyes, even amidst any adversity. Romeo Hontiveros CANTICLE OF MARY,יהוה When Zechariah had entered the temple of the angel Gabriel appeared to him, standing on the right of the altar of incense. My Soul proclaims your greatness, O God, and my spirit has rejoiced in You, my Savior, for your regard has blessed me,

7 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.,יהוה When Zechariah had entered the temple of the angel Gabriel appeared to him, standing on the right of the altar of incense.

8 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 Almighty God and Mother, You sent Saint John the Baptist to the people of Israel to make them ready for Christ our Savior. Give us

9 the grace of joy in the Spirit,and guide the hearts of all the faithful in the way of repentence and strongly living the kindom of God among us now. Through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. SOLEMNITY of the BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST SATURDAY COMPLINE I 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.

10 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.

11 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. You have redeemed me, O Jesus.

12 SOLEMNITY of the BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST SUNDAY LAUDS O Abba, 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! 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,

13 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. Jesus, show us your face, the human face of God s mercy. 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,

14 is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Psalm 63: 1-9 His name will be called John. Many will rejoice at his birth. 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. In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.

15 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. His name will be called John. Many will rejoice at his birth. 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 With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before יהוה to prepare a people fit for Her. 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.

16 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, sing your hymns of praise. Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, praise Her. Praise and exalt Her above all forever.

17 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. With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before יהוה to prepare a people fit for Her. 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 You, little child, you shall be called the prophet of the Most High. You will go before the Lord to prepare the way for Him.

18 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 You, little child, you shall be called the prophet of the Most High. You will go before the Lord to prepare the way for Him. Glory be to You, the Source of All Being,

19 to You, the Love Incarnate, and to You, O Wisdom, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. READING Know that I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before my day comes, that great and terrible day. He shall turn the hearts of fathers and mothers towards their children and the hearts of children towards their fathers and mothers, lest I come and strike the land with a curse. Malachi 3:23-24 CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Zachary opened his mouth and spoke this prophecy: Blessed be,יהוה the God of Israel. 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.

20 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. Zachary opened his mouth and spoke this prophecy: Blessed be,יהוה the God of Israel.

21 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 Almighty Mother of All, You sent Saint John the Baptist to the people of Israel to make them ready for the coming of Christ. Give us the grace of joy in repenting of our sinful ways, and guide us into new

22 life with Jesus, through Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. SOLEMNITY of the BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST SUNDAY 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 SOLEMNITY of the BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST SUNDAY MIDDAY PRAYER O God Amma, come to my aid. O God Abba, make haste to help me. ANGELUS

23 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, 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.

24 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. SOLEMNITY of the BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST SUNDAY VESPERS II 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 15 He came as a witness to the truth.

25 tent, who shall visit in your,יהוה and dwell on your holy mountain? She who walks blamelessly, and does what is right, who speaks the truth from her heart, and does not slander with her tongue. She who does no wrong to others, nor casts reproaches on her neighbors, who prays the godless to repent,.יהוה and honors those who fear She who keeps her pledge, come what may, who takes no profit from injustice, nor accepts bribes against the innocent. The woman who acts thus will stand firm forever. He came as a witness to the truth. Glory be to You, the Source of all Being, and to You, Eternal Word, and to You, the Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

26 Psalm 112 Prepare the way for our God..יהוה Make ready our hearts for!יהוה Praise,יהוה Happy are they who fear who greatly delight in Her commandments. Their children will be mighty in the land. The offspring of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their homes. Their justice endures forever. Light rises in the darkness for the upright. They are gracious, merciful and just. It is well for those who are generous and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice. The upright will never be moved. They will be remembered forever. They have no fear of evil tidings..יהוה Their hearts are firm, trusting in With steadfast hearts, they will not fear. They will withstand all deception. Open-handed, they give to the poor. Their justice endures forever.

27 Their power is exalted in glory. The wicked see and are angry, gnash their teeth and melt away. The desire of the wicked comes to naught. Prepare the way for our God..יהוה Make ready our hearts for 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. Canticle: Revelations 15: 3-4 John was like a brightly shining light Great and wonderful are your works, O Holy One, the Almighty One! Just and true are your ways, Teacher, Protector of all the ages! Who shall refuse You honor or the glory due your Name? For You alone are holy. All peoples shall come

28 and worship in your presence. Your judgments are clearly seen. John was like a brightly shining light 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. READING Hymn Hail, O thou of woman born, Highest rank attaining, Saint of whom an Angel spoke, John thy name ordaining: Hallowed from thy mother s womb, Lamp divinely lighted To enlighten them that sit In death s shade benighted. Hail to thee, with herald voice God in flesh revering, With thy finger pointing out Christ, the Lamb, appearing: At the Jordan thou didst cry, Sinner s doom declaring, And, by water s cleansing sign,

29 Way for God preparing. Hail, who, over mortals all, Rightly wast appointed To baptize the sacred head Of the Lord s Anointed: Who didst hear the Father s voice, That blest rite attending, And didst see the Holy Ghost, As a dove descending. Hymn from Universalis CANTICLE OF MARY The child that is born to us today is greater than any prophet. This is he of whom the Saviour said: Among those born of women there was no man greater than John the Baptist. 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.

30 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. The child that is born to us today is greater than any prophet. This is he of whom the Saviour said: Among those born of women there was no man greater than John the Baptist. INTERCESSIONS For all the prayers that we hold in the silence of our hearts, for all our intentions spoken and unspoken, we pray.

31 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 Eternal Mother, God of all that was, all that is, and all that will be, You raised up St. John the Baptist to prepare a perfect people for Christ. Fill your people with the joy of possessing his grace given by You, and direct the minds of all the faithful toward the humility of repentence and the joy of being forgiven. Grant that as St. John was martyred for truth and justice, so we may also energetically profess our

32 faith in You, and lead others to the Way, the Truth, and Eternal Life. Amen. SOLEMNITY of the BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST SUNDAY 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. My soul clings to You. Your hand upholds me. All are encircled by the arms of the mystery of God. NIGHTLY EXAMEN

33 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. NIGHT PRAYER Keep watch, dear Abba, with those who work,

34 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. TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME MONDAY LAUDS

35 O Abba, O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise Your Name. Invitatory Psalm 24 wisdom. is the source of all יהוה Come, let us adore Her. 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!

36 Let enter the God of glory! Who is this God of glory? valiant, who is mighty and יהוה valiant against all injustice. 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! wisdom. is the source of all יהוה Come, let us adore Her. 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 90.יהוה hands, Give success to the work of our You have been our shelter,יהוה from one generation to the next. Before the mountains were formed, or the earth or the world brought forth,

37 from everlasting to everlasting You are God. You turn us back to dust, and say: "Go back, peoples of the earth!" For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday, when it is past, no more than a watch in the night. You sweep us away like a dream, like grass which is renewed in the morning. In the morning it flowers and is renewed. In the evening it fades and withers. So we are consumed by your anger. By your wrath we are overwhelmed. You set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of your face. All our days pass away in your anger. Our years are over like a sigh. The years of our life are seventy, or eighty for those who are strong, yet their span is but toil and trouble. They pass swiftly and we are gone. Who understands the power of your anger and fears the strength of your wrath? Teach us to number our days that we may gain wisdom of heart.

38 Relent, O!יהוה How long? Have pity on your seekers of your desire! In the morning, fill us with your love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Balance with joy our days of affliction. and the years when we knew misfortune. Let Your Word be manifest to those who seek your every desire, your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of,יהוה our God, be upon us, Give success to the work of our hands. O give success to the work of our hands!.יהוה hands, Give success to the work of our 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: Isaiah 42: You turn darkness into light and make the rough ways smooth! Sing to יהוה a new song.

39 Sing her praise from the ends of the earth! Let the sea and what fills it resound, the coastlands and their inhabitants. Let the desert and its cities cry out, the villages where people dwell. Let the inhabitants of desert lands exult. Let them shout from the top of the mountains.,יהוה Let them give glory to and declare her praise in the coastlands. You go forth,,יהוה like a heroine. Like a warrior You stir up your fury, crying out and shouting aloud against the oppression of your poor. For a long time I held my peace. I kept still and restrained myself. Now, I will cry like a woman in labor, gasping and panting. I will lay waste mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbage. I will turn the rivers into island and dry up all the streams. I will lead the blind on their journey, in a way that they know not.

40 In unknown paths I will guide them. I will turn darkness before them into light, and rough places into level ground. You turn darkness into light and make the rough ways smooth! Glory be to You, the Creator, to You the Redeemer, and to You, the Sustainer, as it was, is now, and ever shall be. Amen. Psalm 135: 1-13.יהוה You are gracious, O You call us to be your people.!יהוה Praise.יהוה Praise the Name of Give praise, O seekers of יהוה s Will,,יהוה you that stand in the house of in the courts of the house of our God. Praise,יהוה for יהוה is good. Sing to Her Name, for She is gracious. For יהוה has chosen Jacob for herself, Israel as her own possession.

41 For I know that יהוה is great. Our Sovereign is above all gods. Whatever יהוה pleases, She does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. She it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth. She makes lightnings for the rain and brings out the wind from her storehouses. She it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both human beings and animals. She sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. She struck down many nations and killed mighty kings Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to her people Israel..יהוה You are gracious, O

42 You call us to be your people. 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. READING We live in a culture of achievement and production which believes that people should and do get what they deserve. As Christians we know that this is not so. The infinite bounty of God begins with the gift of life itself and continues with everything that sustains it. Our activity is not so much an earning our way as a cooperating with the Creator God in transforming history into God's reign of justice and love. Building this attitude of grateful response into our lives requires a constant cultivation of faith against the seeming self-evident ''way things are" around us. Sandra M. Schneiders, IHM, New Wineskins CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Come to us this day and set your people free. Blessed are You, God of our homes, our lands, for You have visited and redeemed your people,

43 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,יהוה of the heart of who visits us like the dawn from on high.

44 darkness, will give light to those in יהוה and in the shadow of death, She will guide our feet into the way of peace. Come to us this day and set your people free. 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

45 as we have forgiven our offenders. Do not let us enter into temptation. Deliver us from error. Amen. PRAYER O Holy Eternal One, in your love you have given each of us individual gifts and talents. Help us to use them generously and lovingly. Free us from the desire to serve only our own interests, and help us to grow in the spirit of love that makes us sisters and brothers. Grant us our prayer that your love and peace may dwell among our work and recreation throughout this day and all days. Amen. TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME MONDAY LECTIO DIVINA O Abba, come to my aid. O 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.

46 TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME MONDAY MIDDAY PRAYER O Abba, come to my aid. O Amma, 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. 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.

47 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 that I do not walk alone. Day is here. I begin. TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME MONDAY VESPERS I call upon You, O Amma. Come quickly to me, O Abba.

48 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 136 I Your love,,יהוה endures forever. We give thanks to You,,יהוה for You are good, for your love endures forever. We thank You, O God of gods, for your love endures forever. We thank You, Creator of the universe, for your love endures forever. You alone have done great wonders, for your love endures forever. Your wisdom made the heavens, for your love endures forever. You spread out the earth upon the waters, for your love endures forever. It was You who made the great lights, for your love endures forever, the sun to rule over the day, for your love endures forever, the moon and the stars to rule over the night,

49 for your love endures forever. Your love, O,יהוה endures forever. 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 136 II With outstretched arm, You lead us out of darkness. You brought your people out from slavery, for your love endures forever, with arm outstretched and power in your hand, for your love endures forever. You divided the waters in two, for your love endures forever. You made your people pass through the midst, for your love endures forever. You flung their pursuers in the sea, for your love endures forever. You led your people through the desert, for your love endures forever. A new land You gave as a heritage, for your love endures forever,

50 a heritage to your faithful people, for your love endures forever. You remembered us in our distress, for your love endures forever, and You rescued us from oppression, for your love endures forever. You give food to all living things, for your love endures forever. We give thanks to You, God of heaven, for your love endures forever. With outstretched arm, You lead us out of darkness. Glory be to You, the Source of All Being, to You, the Love Incarnate, and to You, Wisdom, for now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Canticle: Ephesians 1: 3-10 In Christ, s 'יהוה grace is revealed. Praised be You, the Father. Praised be You, the Mother of Jesus, our Christ. You have blessed us in Christ

51 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 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. In Christ, s 'יהוה grace is revealed. Glory be to You, the Source of all Being

52 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 Meister Eckhart wrote, "As thou art in church or cell, that same frame of mind carry out into the world, into its turmoil and its fitfulness." Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place, a Divine Center, a speaking Voice, to which we may continuously return. Eternity is at our hearts, pressing upon our time-torn lives, warming us with intimations of an astounding destiny, calling us home unto Itself. Thomas R. Kelly, Quaker Spirituality CANTICLE OF MARY Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 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,

53 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. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. 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

54 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 Eternal Mother, as darkness falls, remain with us as our light. Help us to meet You in the scriptures that we read, in the bread that we break at dinner, and in the neighbor that we welcome into our homes. Grant this prayer that your reign will come into all households, into all dwellings now and forever. Amen.

55 TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME MONDAY 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. 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.

56 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 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,

57 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. TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME TUESDAY LAUDS O Abba, O Amma, open my lips. And I shall praise Your Name. Invitatory Psalm 100

58 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 to You, Source of all Being, and to You, Eternal Word and to You, Holy Spirit.

59 As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, forever and ever. Amen. Psalm 101 Look with favor upon us that we may dwell with You forever. I sing of fidelity and justice. To You, O,יהוה I will sing. I will pay heed to the way that is blameless. Oh when shall I attain it? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house. I will not set before my eyes anything that is base. I renounce the work of those who fall away. It shall not adhere to me. Perverseness of heart shall be far from me. I will know nothing of evil. Those who slander their neighbor secretly, I will destroy. Those of haughty looks and proud hearts, I will not tolerate.

60 I will look with favor on all who are faithful, that they may dwell with me. They who walk in the way that is blameless shall minister to me. No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house. No one who utters lies shall remain in my presence. Morning by morning I will renounce all the oppression in the land, uprooting from the city of יהוה all that is evil. Look with favor upon us that we may dwell with You forever. 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: 26, 27, 29, Look upon us with compassion, O,יהוה and heal us.

61 Blessed are You, and praiseworthy, O God of our ancestors, and glorious forever is Your Name, for You are just in all You have done. All your deeds are faultless, all your ways right, and all your judgments proper. For we have sinned and transgressed by departing from You, and we have done every kind of evil. For Your Name's sake, do not deliver us up forever, or make void your covenant. Do not take away your mercy from us, for the sake of those beloved by You: Sara and Abraham, Rebecca and Isaac, Rachel and Jacob, your holy ones, to whom You promised to multiply their offspring like the stars of heaven, or the sands on the shore of the sea. For we are reduced beyond any other nation, brought low everywhere in the world this day because of our sins. We have in our day no ruler, prophet, or leader,

62 no holocaust, sacrifice, oblation, or incense, no place to offer first fruits, to find favor with You. But with contrite heart and humble spirit let us be received, as though it were holocausts of rams and bullocks, or thousands of fat lambs, so let our sacrifice be in your presence today as we follow You unreservedly. For those who trust in You cannot be put to shame. And now we follow You with our whole heart. We fear You and we pray to You. Look upon us with compassion,,יהוה and heal us. 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. Psalm 144: 1-10 O,יהוה You are my shield. In You I take refuge. Blessed are You,,יהוה my rock, who trains my hands for war,

63 and my fingers for battle. You are my rock and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I take refuge. You bring peoples under your rule. O,יהוה who are we that You care for us, mortal flesh, that You keep us in mind, we, who are merely a breath, whose days are like a passing shadow? Lower your heavens, O,יהוה and come down! Touch the mountains that they smoke! Flash your lightnings and scatter them. Shoot your arrows and put them to flight. Stretch forth your hand from on high. Rescue me from the mighty waters, from the hands of alien foes, whose mouths are filled with lies, and whose hands are raised in perjury. To You will I sing a new song, O God. On a ten-stringed harp I will play to You, who give rulers their victory, who rescue David, your servant.

64 O,יהוה You are my shield. In You I take refuge. 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. READING For Mary MacKillop God's will was her guiding principle. "To me the Will of God is a dear book which I am never tired of reading, which has always some new charm for me. I cannot tell you what a beautiful thing the Will of God seems to me." When overcome by sadness she clung to the Will of God as her only support: "I was so weary of the struggle, and felt so utterly alone, could not pray or say my ordinary Rosaries, only offered my weary heart's trials to my God. Blessed Mary MacKillop, RSJ CANTICLE OF ZECHARIAH Protect us from the grasp of evil, and have us not enter into temptation. Blessed are You, God of our homes, our lands,

65 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,יהוה of the heart of

66 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. Protect us from the grasp of evil, and have us not enter into temptation. 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.

67 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 call us to begin this day in dedication to You. May all who need your help today experience your love and compassion through us. Bless all the children of this world. Protect them from abuse. May they come to know their worth and dignity as your children. This we ask in union with all the innocent and pure of heart who stand in your presence now and forever. Amen. TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME TUESDAY LECTIO DIVINA O Abba, come to my aid. O 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

68 remember that You are with me in both words and silence. TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME TUESDAY MIDDAY PRAYER O Abba, come to my aid. O Amma, 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. 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.

69 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 that I do not walk alone. Day is here. I begin. TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME