burn

Opening Prayer: Lord, you alone can keep our lamps burning bright, but we must take special care to make time and space for you in order that we may have enough oil to keep our lamps burning over the long haul.  Keep us spiritually awake, O Lord.  Help us to live a lives of attention and intention when it comes to our lives with you.  Amen.

Scripture: Matthew 25:1-13

Journal: How is the oil level for your lamp these days?  What does it take to keep your spiritual flame burning?  How will you intentionally make time and space to ensure that you have oil for your lamp?

Reflection:

O living flame of love
That tenderly wounds my soul
In its deepest center! Since
Now you are not oppressive,
Now consummate! if it be your will:
Tear through the veil of this sweet encounter!

O sweet cautery,
O delightful wound!
O gentle hand! O delicate touch
That tastes of eternal life
And pays every debt!
In killing you changed death to life.

O lamps of fire!
in whose splendors
The deep caverns of feeling,
Once obscure and blind,
Now give forth, so rarely, so exquisitely,
Both warmth and light to their Beloved.

How gently and lovingly
You wake in my heart,
Where in secret you dwell alone;
And in your sweet breathing,
Filled with good and glory,
How tenderly You swell my heart with love.

~Saint John of the Cross

Prayer

Closing Prayer: Keep your fire burning deep within me, O God, that I might always burn with love for Thee.  Amen.