There are some pilgrims we've never met in the flesh but whose stories have led us to trust the mystery within. In coming to know them we have been blessed again and again. These are the people who have inhabited our prayer life, who have made their home in us. Their coming into our lives has enriched our pilgrim journey.
So we pray:
ADAM and EVE
Symbols of our beginning, weak and sinful like us, called, like us, to that process of becoming and understanding our sinfulness and potential. (Gn. 3: 1-31) PRAY FOR US.
ABRAHAM
Called by the Lord into the unknown, trusting in darkness. We, too, have experienced calls in darkness. (Gn. 12:1)
PRAY FOR US.
SARAH
Woman of patience and hope, blessed by the Lord. Be with us in our waiting. (Gn. 12: 1-6)
PRAY FOR US.
MOSES
Called forth from among your people to be a leader, begging the Lord to send someone else. It was hard to take off your shoes. We understand your struggle. Give us the courage to investigate burning bushes. (Ex. 3:1-14, 4-13)
PRAY FOR US.
RUTH AND NAOMI
Women of strength, attentive and loyal to each other. We need your kind of loyalty to be good for one another. (Ru. 1:15-15)
PRAY FOR US.
MARY
Mother of Jesus, woman of deep faith, deepen our faith. (Lk.1:46-55)
PRAY FOR US.
ALL YOU WOMEN AT THE TOMB
Holding your oils and spices, symbols of your love for the Lord, women in love. (Mk16:16)
PRAY FOR US.
PETER AND JOHN
Racing to the tomb, not understanding the resurrection, believing in an empty tomb, be with us in our race to the tomb. (Jn.20:3)
PRAY FOR US.
JESUS
Asking us to trust the Father, calling us to full gospel living, washing our feet in service and love, promising not to leave us orphans, help us to receive your Spirit
PRAY FOR US.
Reading: Exodus 3: 1-5
Reflection I
Moses had to take off his shoes, to touch the holy ground with bare feet. We, too, need to strip away what separates us from the holy. God still speaks to us in the burning bush of our own lives and His message is still one of holy ground that we miss because of unnecessary shoes. Let us not be discouraged, nor fearful, but trusting, for when God speaks to us from a burning bush, He will also give us the courage to take off our shoes and to accept what is holy.
Reflection II
The Moses in my heart trembles
not quite willing
to accept the prophet hidden in my being
wondering how much it will cost
to allow that prophet to emerge.
O child of unnecessary shoes
Cast them off and stand in readiness
on this awfully holy ground
for the Egypt in people's hearts
demands that you see the burning bushes
all around you
aflame and burning wildly
calling you forth
away from the comfort
of well-protected feet.
The ground you stand on is holy
Take off your shoes
Believe in your Moses
and go.
Closing Prayer
All Lord, you know me. You know when I sit and when I stand. You have me always present in your mind. For this Lord, I thank you. You know the path for my life and what is best for me. Lord, reveal to me the path I am to walk. Bless me and guide me. Be Lord to me so that, whatever my road, I may do all for your glory and in Jesus' name. Amen.
Blessing
The Lord bless us and keep us. May the face of God shine down upon us and give us peace. Amen.