Feast of the Nativity of Mary
Romans 8:28-30; Psalm 13:6AB,6C; Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

conforming
to His image
all things
work
for good
for those
who love God
we are called
to live
according
to God’s purpose
God’s love
for all
we rejoice
and say “yes”
to each
invitation
of grace

How do you respond to God’s invitation?

1Cor7:25-31; Psalm 45:11-17; Luke 6:20-26

poor
hungry
weeping
excluded
we turn
our ear
to another
who offers
something
beyond
our means
reaching
into our poverty
we find
blessing
and live
in the paradox
of Christ

Where do you find blessing?

1Cor 6:1-11; Psalm 149:1-9; Luke 6:12-19

praying
through the night
we are strengthened
by God’s word
coming into the day
with new knowledge
and understanding
we join
the community
of healers
who bring
suffering
to God’s love
and compassion
leaving judgement
and offering
only mercy
we sing for joy
of God’s saving power

What comes to you as you pray through the night?
Do you join the healing community of Christ?

 Luke 6:6-11

we stretch
out our hand
and are healed
by the one
in whom
all the
treasures
of wisdom
and knowledge
are hidden
who would
save life
rather
than destroy it
letting go
of envy
and pettiness
we are
brought
together
in love
chosen
to make
manifest
the light
of the Christ
in us
laboring
and struggling
with His power
working
within

Do you experience the power of Christ in you?

Wisdom 9:13-18; Psalm 90: 3-6; 12-17′ Phil 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14: 25-33

struck by
God’s wisdom
and love
we are
no longer possessed
by our possessions
that mean
nothing
without God’s Truth
and love-
arising
at dawn
anew
daybreak fills us
with His kindness
our burdens
are lifted
we shout
for joy
and gladness
all the days of our life

Is your mind weighed down with earthly concerns?
Are you possessed by your possessions?
What brings you freedom?

Luke 6: 1-5

reconciled
to God
all
is sacred
and held
in reverence
firmly
grounded
in faith
we persevere
keeping
all
hope
in the Gospel
where
every creature
under heaven
preaches
the good news
of God’s love

Do you see the sacredness of all God’s creation?

1Cor 4:1-5; Psalm 37:3-40; Luke 5:33-39

trusting
in God
doing good
we take delight
in God’s way
we become
a new creation
as His light
dawns in our heart
even as we see
hate
and unforgiveness
in our hearts
we turn our eyes
toward the One
who offers
refuge
strength
courage
and salvation

Where do you turn in times of struggle and stress?
Where do you place your trust?
Do you become a new creation?

Luke 5:1-11

seeking mercy
we cast our nets
into deep waters
hoping to see
God’s goodness
and love
ready to leave
everything
to follow
and be strengthened
with patience
endurance
and joy
longing to share
the good news
of God’s will
God’s love of all
and be delivered
from the darkness
that surrounds us
no longer
afraid

Have you cast your net into the deep waters?
Are you ready to leave everything to follow?