GATHER US IN...

THE THREE O'CLOCK HOUR

 Matt 10:27

"What I say to you in the darkness speak in the light, says the lord;

What you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops!"

The alarm clock had been set for 7 a.m.

Feeling tired at bedtime,I sought an extra hours sleep.

However, I was awakened much earlier this morning.

As I laid there, a prayer was offered for anyone needing a prayer.

Our Franciscan monks had taught us that one Hail Mary could save a life at any moment,

and prayer is especially needed during the night hours when a person may be in distress.

Looking at the clock, the time was around 3:30 a.m.

I heard a whispered voice speak these words...

"I  GATHER  IN..ALL"

My prayer has been for the well being and welcoming of those who are refugees.

Those families who have left their countries seeking asylum and safety in another area. 

1 Peter 4:8-11

...put your gifts at the service of one another,

each in the measure he/ she has received.

The one who speaks is to deliver the message...

the one who serves is to do it with the strength

provided by God.

Thus, in all of you, God is to be glorified 

through Jesus Christ

  

Often , we sing a song  within the celebration of the Mass called 

"GATHER US IN "

Here in this place a new light is streaming,

now is the darkness vanished away,

See in this space our fears and our dreamings, 

brought here to you in the light of this day.

Gather us in- the lost and forsaken,

Gather us in- the blind and the lame;

Call to us now and we shall awaken,

we shall arise at the sound of our name.

We are the young  -our lives are a mystery,

we are the old -who yearn for your face,

We have been sung throughout  all of history

called to be light to the whole human race.

Gather us in- the rich and the haughty,

Gather us in -the proud and the strong;

Give us a heart so meek and so lowly.

Give us the courage to enter the song.

              Marty Haugen