SONG: "Lord, Make Me a Channel of Your Peace"

"Truth stands outside the doors of our souls...and knocks." (Gregory of Nyssa) 

"O One Who Waits Forever,
  keeping guard  - at the gates of life,
  patiently awaiting   -  the heart's return
  no matter how long,
  no matter how late.
  We beg you, keep watch over us...    ("Woman's Wisdom" - M.T. Winter)

FACTS TO CONSIDER:
Trafficking in human beings for the purpose of "forced labor or services, prostitution, domestic servitude, debt bondage or other slavery-like practices" is one of the fastest areas of international criminal activity, behind drugs and guns in its profitability. Virtually every country in the world, both developed countries and developing countries, is affected with estimates of 500,000 girls below 18 as victims of trafficking.

Nita, a young woman from the Philippines, shares with us part of her story:

"Some of us have been mistreated and abused by our own families and we are despised in our communities. Society still places the blame on us.

This is a kind of slavery. The auctioneers stand now at the corner of our streets in our neighborhoods. People pretend not knowing about what is going on, and the kind of "business" that is taking place right there in their midst. This is the way I was "sold" with the promise of a job.

Once at the brothel where I was taken I was locked up with many others in a semi-dark place. We were watched every minute by guards. The food we were given was scarce and sometimes no good.

I was forced to work every night. I have not seen any money yet. The owners of the business take the money. We never see it. Sometimes I cry a lot. Nobody cares. I need to get ready to meet clients every night. Sometimes we are cruelly treated by the clients and the owners, especially when we refuse to do what they want. Who cares!   Where can I turn for help?"

SILENT REFLECTION

RESPONSE:  - Come to deliver us, gentle and loving God.
                          - "Comfort, comfort my people", says the Lord.
                          - Turn your face to us and save us.

PSALM 88: 1-9

SILENT REFLECTION

FAITH SHARING 

SLOWLY READ PSALM 88 AGAIN (quietly to yourself) 

READ PSALM 88 with Nita in mind

INTERCESSIONS: 

In your promise, you invite us to come to you and find rest in your love for us.       

RESPONSE:          Come, and deliver us!

    *  In compassion you proclaim your message to us. Open our ears and our hearts to listen.
    *  You taught us to have a deep respect for all life. Make us more aware of our frailty.
    *  You reflect the love of a caring God. May our life be a reflection of your love.
    *  O God, you walk among us in the poor and lonely. Help us to recognize you in them.

Additional prayers...

PRAYER TO MARY: 
              Holy Mary,
              Pilgrim sister of the Poor of Yahweh,
              Prophetess of the Poor made free,
              Mother of the Third World.
              Mother of all men and women in this world
              -that is one-
              Because you are the Mother of God, made man.
              Ask your Son, who died upon the Cross
              To save humankind
              That we, his followers
              Might learn to live and die
              To wholly free our brothers and sisters.
              Mother of Hope,
              Ask your Son
              That we may learn to overcome
              Our selfishness, routine and fear.  AMEN.  (Casaldaliga)