Keep Awake
Keep Awake – Br. Michael, ofm
Here we are launched into November with lesser daylight and colder weather enfolding us. I find this month often calls us to settle in, to listen differently, to take stock of what we know has been and how we want to step into the final weeks of the year. The scripture for this weekend encourages this settling into our heart, listening and taking stock.
The 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (which is this Sunday, November 8) scripture presents us with the reminder of the gift of wisdom (Wisdom 6.12-16), and seeking true wisdom. Psalm 63 also calls to our attention our yearning for truth, as our body and soul thirsts for union with God. In gospel we are reminded to keep awake. To be attentive to God coming to us in the everyday (so as to prepare our hearts for the feasts that linger not to far off). Let us with the wise bridesmaids of the parable (Matthew 25.1-13) keep awake – be attentive – listen closely for the God moments that will unfold in the week ahead. They may come at odd hours or at inopportune moments but they will have a message for us and our heart, all we need to do is keep awake or maybe be reawakened to our God with us.
Keep Awake
Keep Awake
the reminder comes
as days grow shorter
Keep awake
with the eye of the heart
and the depth of the soul
Keep awake
allow wisdom to whisper
be attentive to hope
Keep awake
“wisdom is radiant and unfading”*
let us be like the wise bridesmaids
Keep awake
wisdom quenches the thirsty soul
nourishing also the tired body
Keep awake
not with worldly knowledge alone
attune the heart to deep truth
Keep awake
let thirsting be for fullness
aware of God’s steadfast love always
Keep awake
let praise be on your lips
let your eyes be lifted up
Keep awake
in the mundane of the day
while the mind races and the heart waits
Keep awake
the feast is plentiful
all are welcomed
Keep awake
listen, be still, listen
wisdom comes to an open heart
Keep awake
ponder the closeness of our God
consider God’s very breath in yours
Keep awake
whether morning, noon or night
our God comes to us
Keep awake
glimpses of the divine are all around
God’s deep care everyday
Keep awake
oh, thirsting soul
for the day, the hour is now
Keep awake
for the day, the hour
is here and again
Keep awake
Keep awake
Keep Awake.
*Wisdom 6.12
