Sirach 1:1-10; Psalm 93:1-5; Mark 9:14-29

from God’s abundance
wisdom comes-
poured out
from the one
who stands firm
in love
and compassion
for all-
created
in the Holy Spirit
healing comes
at the sight of Him
and we are freed
as every prayer
is answered
from our faith
where we have
no other need
than this love
revealed
at wisdom’s root
to love
as we are loved

Do you experience God’s Wisdom poured out in love and compassion?
Do you experience Justice as God’s love for all?

Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-15, 22-23, Ps 102: 1-4, 8, 10, 12-13; 1 Cor 15:45-49, Luke 6: 27-38

bless the Lord
my soul
for you have
turned
our hearts
to love
even our enemies
fall within
love’s power
saved from the sword
we come
to know
you mercy
your spirit
in us
we give
in your infinite
measure
giving up
judgment
for compassion
knowing
nothing essential
can be taken
from us
we give
our cloak
our cheek
our Life

Do you love your enemy?
Do you pray for those who mistreat you?
What is your measure?

Psalm 23: 1-6

within us
among us
we see you
and walk
with you
even in a valley
of darkness
you are
at our side
our guide
our companion
only goodness
and kindness
follow
with you-
you give us
eyes of mercy

Do you see through the eyes of mercy?

Mark 8:34-9:1

what self
denied
what life
is lost
what cross
taken up
who do we
follow
when the nation
confounds
the name
of Him
who came
to save
what is the design
of God’s heart
as we are called
to a life
that is true
and good

“What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?”
What is the design of God’s heart?
How do you know what is true and good?

Mark 8:27-33

Jesus asked
“Who do people
say I am?”

Who do you say he is?

0-22; Psalm 116:12-19; Ephesians 1:17-18; Mark 8:22-26

brought to God
in a Spirit of Love
our blindness
is gradually
healed
by His touch–
grateful
we proclaim
God’s goodness
as even
in death
we see how precious
we are to His eyes
that have given us
sight

“May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope
that belongs to his call.”
Ephesians 1:17-18

Mark 8: 14-21

Speaking to our hearts He asks
Do you not see?
Do you not hear?
Do you not understand?
there is enough
do not let
your hearts
be hardened
by the religion
of the Pharisees
and the politics
of Herod
but live
in the Holy Spirit
who guides us
to share in faith
with love and joy
patience and peace
kindness, generosity
and gentleness
for the common good
in God’s justice
God’s love for all

Is your heart troubled and hardened by religion and politics?
Do you see the path of the Holy Spirit?
Do you follow?

Genesis 4:1-15,25; Psalm 50:1 and 8, 16-17, 20-21; Mark 8:11-13

what sign
but breath
that we live
in grace
given

what darkness
in us
that we should
rise against
another
in word
and deed
betraying all that we are
in envy
murder
and greed

drawn up
before our eyes
we see
all we wish
not to be
but given God’s love
and strength
we become
who we are
meant to be

Is your love for God and others whole-hearted?
How do you show your gratefulness to God?
What is your gift?

Jeremiah 17:5-8; Psalm 1-6; 1Cor 15:12, 16-30; 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 in the Holy Spirit
no longer
putting our trust
in human beings
but putting our trust
in God
and God’s
abundant love

Do you find the blessing in your poverty through the Holy Spirit?
Who do you trust?

Genesis 3: 9-24; Psalm 90: 2-13; Mark 8: 1-10

hiding
from what
cannot be
hidden from
we are found
by Love
and Compassion
and fed
all that
we need
no longer lost
from who
we are
we see
the Good
from which
we came
and share
what has been
given
we live
in God’s miracle

From what are you hiding?
Where can you be found?