1Cor 11: 18, 21-30; Psalm 34: 2-7; Matthew 6: 19-23

heaven
among us
we seek
our treasure there
not in things
where moth
and decay
destroy
or thieves
steal
but in love
and joy
and peace
eternal
patience
kindness
generosity
and compassion
the fruits
of heaven
given
freely
to all

Where does your treasure lie?

2Cor 11: 1-11; Psalm 111: 1-8; Matthew 6: 7-15

faithful
in Christ
we pray
to our father
in heaven
whose name
is holy
whose will
shall be done
on earth
as in heaven
who gives
our daily bread
who forgives
as we forgive
who leads us not
into temptation
but delivers us
from evil
to our God
whose love
is justice
and truth
we give thanks

Do you give thanks?

2Cor 9: 6-1; Psalm 112: 1-9; Matthew 6: 1-6; 16-18

seeing
God’s
generosity
we pour out
our love
as God
makes
every grace
abundant
to our poverty
gracious
merciful
and just
we give
and pray
and fast
not to be seen
but for
God’s goodness

Do you experience the abundance and generosity of God?

2Cor 8:1-9; Psalm 146: 2-9; Matthew 5: 43-48

giving
themselves
first
to the Lord
they experienced
joy
and generosity
flowing
even through
their poverty
and affliction
and the miracle
of love
even of enemies
and prayer
for persecutors
for this
we praise
and keep faith
in the Lord
who gives
justice
as love

Do you love your enemies?

2Cor 6: 1-10; Psalm 98: 1-4; Matthew 5: 38-42

letting go
of the violence
of possession
we give
our coat
and walk
the extra mile
giving
to the one
who asks
enduring
in affliction
and hardship
with patience
and kindness
and love
seen as poor
and sorrowful
or dying
we live
in joy
having
all we need
in God
we sing
and rejoice

Have you let go of the violence of possession?

2 Cor 5: 14-21; Psalm 103: 1-12; Mt 5: 33-37

reconciled
In Christ
we are
a new creation
no longer
seen for our
iniquities
trespasses
or acts of destruction
but for a life
of kindness
and compassion
given
for our oneness
with all
knowing
we live
only for
God’s truth
God’s love
Of all

Do you live with kindness and compassion?

For this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3: 14-19

(image from the Convent of the Sacred Heart website)

Acts 11: 21-26; 13: 1-3; Psalm 98 1: -6; Matthew 5: 20-26

moved
by anger
we move
away
from God
holding
grudges
against
one another
our gift
is refused
at the altar
as we are called
to reconcile
with one another
helpless
on our own
we rely
on His grace

With whom do you need to be reconciled?

2 Cor 3: 4-11; Psalm 99: 5-9; Matthew 5: 17-19

the law
without
Spirit
ushers
death
carved in stone
no breath
or being
to guide
its way
until
His light
of fulfillment
comes
and we see

Today I set before you life and death…
choose life so that you and your children may live.  Dt. 30:19

2 Corinthians 1: 18-22; Psalm 19: 129-135; Matthew 5: 13-16

we say
yes
To God’s glory
To God’s truth
and light
within us
given
the Spirit
in our hearts
and security
in Christ
our footsteps
are steady
as his face
shines upon us
and his light
becomes
our own

How do experience God’s light and truth?