top of page

To Prepare an Altar

CFR Sisters

A meditation on the preparation of the Upper Room


I see sorrow in Your eyes.


I want to stay with You now more than ever, 

especially as I feel the weight 

of Your recent talk of death. 


But I want more to do whatever You tell me. 


And so I go and spend a Thursday, 

one unlike any other before or since, 

in the littlest of work. 


I dust ledges, 

I sweep a floor, 

I prepare a table. 


Just what You have told me to do.


I didn’t know You were allowing me to prepare 

an altar – 

that tangible surface, yes, 

but much more. 


A place deeper and deeper still.


In me.


The simplicity stilled my storm to a whisper, 

the littleness then begot a true silence, 

and, in that quiet, space was made and prepared. 


Space of longing, 

yearning, 

needing.


An altar.

To receive the sacrifice.

To bear the gift.


How I wonder, even years and decades later, 

at how You gathered us up 

and into Yourself 

in this humble, hidden way.


Oh Lord, I am not worthy.

But You are.


Sr. Magdalene, CFR Novice


CONTACT

General Questions & Preaching Requests                 

917-261-6226

Vocation & "Come & See" Inquiries

718-828-4104

Financial Inquiries

718-863-8040

© Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal

Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal / Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal / Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal /

Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal /

CFR Sisters / CFR Sisters / CFR Sisters / CFR Sisters / CFR Sisters

CFR Sisters Official YouTube Channel

bottom of page