Jesus put his finger into the man’s ears . . . and said to him, “Ephphatha!” – that is, “Be opened!” – And immediately the man’s ears were opened, his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly.

There are those in our world who need to be heard. There are those who need to be seen. Let us listen to them and speak on their behalf. Better yet, let us find a way for their voices to be heard.

"La voz de los sin voz" - "The voice of those without a voice."

This sign is displayed in the museum of Archbishop Romero in the University of Central America in El Salvador. Romero was la voz de los sin voz, and it cost him his life.

All that fame, renown, and acclaim must have gone to his head, for we read today, in 1 Kings 11, that he turned away from God and ended up displeasing the very One who had given him such a tremendous gift. Not a very smart move!

We are all given gifts and talents, and we must practice so as not to lose them.

Fuschia in Santa Sabina Center garden

Let us cultivate
wisdom,
kindness,
compassion,
generosity,
joy,
peace,
gentleness,
hope,
faith,
gratitude . . .

Please add to the list.

The mouth of the just one tells of wisdom
and the tongue utters what is right.
The law of God is in the heart of such a one,
so that the foot does not falter.

Salvadoran woman walking on treacherous ground

May her foot not falter.

Where are the places we try to contain and constrain God?

No matter how wonderful and perfect they may seem to be to us, it would do us well to remember, in the words of a song by Jesse Manibusan, “God Is Bigger”.

Who can contain God?

Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of the whole community of Israel, and stretching forth his hands toward heaven, he said,”Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below, you keep your covenant of mercy with your servants who are faithful to you with their whole heart.

Can it indeed be that God dwells on earth? If the heavens and the highest heavens cannot contain you, how much less this temple which I have built! Look kindly on the prayer and petition of your servant, O Lord, my God, and listen to the cry of supplication which I, your servant utter before you this day. May your eyes watch night and day over this temple, the place where you have decreed you shall be honored, may you heed the prayer which I, your servant, offer in this place. Listen to the petitions of your servant and of your people Israel which they offer in this place. Listen from your heavenly dwelling and grant pardon.”

1 Kings:8:22-23, 27-30

-Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ

Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.

If we are truly followers of Jesus, how can we not do the same?

The Golden Gate Bridge early on a deserted morning

Jesus said to them, “Some away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest for a while.”

Come and rest for a while.

This particular resting place can be found at Presentation Center in Los Gatos.

A desire to kneel down sometimes pulses through my body,
or rather it is as if my body has been meant and made for the act of kneeling.
Sometimes, in moments of deep gratitude,
kneeling down becomes an overwhelming urge,
head deeply bowed, hands before my face.

~Etty Hillesum An Interrupted Life~

Who doesn’t know this feeling?

Below is a picture of the motherhouse chapel in which the sisters professed their vows. Neither the chapel nor the motherhouse exist today because of a fire in 1990, but  the sisters who professed their vows on that day, know that their vows and God’s faithfulness still stand.

The old motherhouse chapel of the Dominican Sisters in San Rafael

Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to be prersented to God. Let us pray:

Christ, be our light.

Jesus, light of the world, you revealed the love of God to us
- let our lives lead other to the truth of God’s mercy.

Jesus, longed for savior, you are presented with the gifts of the poor;
- help us to dedicate our lives to those in need.

Jesus, child of mystery, your mother’s heart was pierced by prophecy;
- strengthen all women whos dedication to you brings pain and sorrow.

Jesus, child of promise,Simeon had waited and prayed for your coming;
- give us patience and hope as we pray for the fulfillment of your gospel.

Jesus, joy of all who seek God, Anna had given you lifelong service;
- bless the elderly and teach us how to give them joy and encouragement.

Bountiful God, you are father and mother to us. You receive the dedication of the infant Son, Jesus, with two turtle doves. You inspire aged Simeon and Anna to bless and announce his mission. O gentle, strong God, we rejoice in your care for us. Help us to draw those who turn away from yo in fear. Let the saving light of Jesus bring truth and peace to our world. This we ask in his name. Amen.

- from People’s Companion to the Breviary, Carmelite Monastery, Indianapolis, IN

An imposing door of a cathedral (duomo) in Orvieto, Italy.

The truth that many people never understand, until it is too late,
is that the more you try to avoid suffering the more you suffer
because smaller and more insignificant things begin to torture you
in proportion to your fear of being hurt.

- Thomas Merton