Vessels of Light: Includes Quote from Thomas Merton

     We become like vessels empty of water that they may be filled with wine. We are like glass cleansed of dust and grime to receive the sun and vanish into its light.
     The more our faculties are emptied of their desire and their tension towards created things, and the more they collect themselves into peace and interior silence and reach into the darkness where God is present in their deepest hunger, the more they feel a pure, burning impatience to be free and rid of all the last obstacles and attachment that still stand between them and the emptiness that will be capable of being filled with God.
      ~ Thomas Merton, Seeds of Contemplation





Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV)

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

          

          1 John 2:15-17 (ESV)

 ¹⁵ Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For all that is in the world- the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. ¹⁷And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

         Romans 12:2 (English Standard Version)

² Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Heavenly Father,

Help us to empty ourselves of the attachments we have to our own egos and to the things of this world. Help us to abide in you with a faithful steadfast resolve. May we walk through the traps that try to ensnare our souls, preventing us from bringing you glory, with ease. We thank you for the eternal life you've given us through your son Jesus, whose birth in this world we will celebrate in only a few short days. We thank you for your unending love and faithfulness and for the hope that we find in the shelter of your mercy and grace. 

May you help us, with the dawning of each day, to put on our new self which you've blessed us with when you awakened the new life within us as we chose you, and not the world, to follow. May we be the vessels of light and love you call us to be, to shine in a world that is fallen and dark. May our individual lights unite and become a strong beacon calling those who seek something more, who seek the deep peace only you can provide, to come and join us in your Kingdom here on earth and hereafter in heaven.

We give you all glory, honor and praise.

In Jesus' name,
Amen