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?

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

what are these words of hate
you call us to
you the one we trust
to bring God’s love
what turning
are we to take
in this command
to put you above all
and carry our own cross
to count this cost
or be excluded
challenging
so many of our thoughts
and beliefs
about our lives
and love
possessed by the world
we cannot begin to see
what lies beyond
possession

then struck by
God’s greater wisdom
and love
we are set free
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 dare to 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?

Col 1:21-23; Psalm 54:3-8; Luke 6: 1-5

not bound by law
but by love
we are reconciled
to God
all is sacred
and held
in reverence
firmly
grounded
in faith
as 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?
Are you bound by law or God’s love?

Col 1:15-20; Psalm 100:1-5;Luke 5:33-39

in troubled times
we dare
to sing
joyfully
and serve
with gladness
as we see love
among us
offering reconciliation
through
His cross
we are
made new
through
a love
a Presence
that holds
all things
together
in a kindness
that endures

Have you been made new through God’s love?
Do you serve with gladness?
How are you reconciled by His cross?

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?

Col1:1-8; Psalm 52:10-11; Luke 4:38-44

in our sickness
He reaches
out His hand
and we
are healed
stepping back
into our life
we give thanks
and proclaim
God’s goodness
and kingdom
among us
trusting
always
in the mercy
of God

Do you trust in the mercy of God?
Do you experience God’s healing touch?

1Thes 5:1-6, 9=11; Psalm 27:1,4,13-14; Luke 4:31-37

drawn
to His words
and His light
we are amazed
and astonished
at His authority
and strength
as one who knows
God’s loves
and drives out
the demons
it is here
we wish
to dwell
in the house
of the Lord
with care
and concern
encouraging
and building up
one another
knowing
we will see
the good things
of the Lord
in the land
of the living

Do you experience the authority of His words?
Do you experience God’s joy?
Are you a child of the Light?

1Thes 4:13-18; Psalm 96:1,3,4-5,11-13; Luke 4:16-30

anointed
by God’s love
He brings
good news
that opens
our eyes
and sets us
free
no longer
captive
and oppressed
we sing
a new song
to the Lord
the heavens
are glad
the earth
rejoices
the sea
and what fills it
resounds
the trees exult
as we hear
of God’s justice
God’s love
of All

Are you overwhelmed by God’s love?
Does God’s love fill you with hope and joy?

Sirach 3:17- 20, 28-29; Ps 68: 4-11; Hebrews 12: 18-24; Luke 14: 1,7-14

exalting
ourselves
we reach
beyond
our need
striving for
favored seats
and reward
we forsake
God’s justice
and love
seeking
into things
beyond
our strength-
humble
we are showered
with beautiful rains
and make a home
in God’s
goodness
city of the living God
we leave our fear
and trembling
gloomy darkness
and storm
and open
to Jesus’
saving power
saving love

Where do you make your home?
Do we invite those who can not repay you?

1Thes 4:9-11; Psalm 98:1,7-9; Matthew 25:14-30

taught by God
with the justice
of love
we share
what has been given us
through grace
aspiring to
work and live
a peaceful life
within God’s presence
even as we struggle
with our fears
and anxieties
we embrace the light
of God’s love
that is always there

Do you allow the light of God’s presence in?
How do you share God’s light and love?