Readings:  Isaiah 2: 1-5; Psalm 122: 1-9; Romans 13: 11-14; Mt: 37-44

now is the hour

to wake

from sleep

rejoice

and cast off

deeds of darkness

beat your swords

into plowshares

and pruning hooks

for we shall go

to the house

of the Lord

where peace

shall be with us

quarreling

lusting

and jealousy

past

we put on

the light

of Christ

radiant

with his love

Are we ready for peace and light?

Are we willing to shed our weapons?

Are we awake and watchful for the Lord?

There is nothing I can give you
Which you have not;
But there is much that
While I cannot give you
You can take.

No heaven can come to us
Unless our hearts find rest in it today.
Take heaven.

No peace lies in the future
Which is not hidden in this present instant.
Take peace.

The gloom of the world is but a shadow;
behind it yet within our reach, is joy.
Take joy.

And so, I leave you with a prayer
That for you, now and forever,
The day breaks and the shadows flee away.

Fra Giovanni, 15th century