Genesis 3:9-20; Psalm 87:1-7; John 19:25-34

standing by the cross with Mary
sharing the burden
of our separateness
our sinfulness
we see His cross
His thirst
and enter the mystery
of suffering
speaking a language
beyond our understanding
yet reaching a place
of knowing in us
where we live with Him
in God’s love
and say with him
“it is finished”
releasing our Spirit
to heaven’s joy

How do you experience the cross?
How do you respond to His thirst?

Painting by Adam Morse

Readings for Vigil Mass
Ezekiel 37: 1-14; Psalm 104; Romans 8:22-27; John 7:37-39

groaning in our
agony of waiting
we knew not
how to pray
lifeless
as in a grave
we were lost
we have been
dry bones
walking
with no spirit
until He is set
upon us–
called
from the four winds
the Spirit comes
and breathes us
into Life
tongues of fire
ignite us
our imagination soars
one moment
changes all
as one we thought gone
appears
rattling bones
come together
bone joining bone
enfleshed–
we speak
with passion
the new language
of love

Can these dry bones come to life?
Is your imagination alive with His spirit?
Are you a living flame of Love?

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31; Psalm 11:4-7; John 16:7, 13; John 21:20-25

a searching glance
He sees
our minds
and hearts
and soul
lover of justice
hater of violence
He sends
a Spirit of Truth
guiding our concern
not to another
but to our self
finding our way
to follow His calling
to the path
of God’s love
and peace in us
to live
and share

How does Jesus call you to follow?
What gift do you have to share?

Acts 25:13-21; Psalm 103:1-2,11-12,19-20; John 21:15-19

the one
who was thought
to be dead
is alive
in the love
we proclaim
in the feeding
and tending we do
seeing
another way
of Life
in the Holy Spirit
that cannot
be bought
or sold
contained
or controlled
by human means
an immeasurable
justice
called mercy
an immeasurable
kindness
called Love

Do you experience Him alive?
When Jesus asks “Do you love me?” how do you respond?

Acts 22:30; 23:6-11; Psalm 16:1-11; John 17:20-26

deep within me
the love of God
resides
showing me
a path
of Life
where all
are One
far beyond
the world’s strife
and peril
yet close at hand
a Glory given
in the silent
workings
of the day to day
seen by all
who would dare
to look
and surrender
heart and soul
to the Truth
of God’s love

Does your heart and soul rejoice in God’s love?

Acts 20:28-38; Psalm 68:29-36; John 17:11B-19

we live
in the power
that is God’s alone
each breath
a gift
we receive
and give
singing
a song of praise
for the goodness
within our reach
each moment
that is justice
we pray
for one another
that we not
be lead astray
but remain
always
in God’s Truth

Do you pray always?
Is your breath a prayer?

Acts 20:17-27; Psalm 68:10-11, 20-21; John 17:1-11

He has shown
a clear path
and He calls it
love
love of self
love of neighbor
love of enemy
and we ask
what is this love
that demands
so much good
wrapped
in kindness
and compassion
enduring beyond
all human cruelty
forgiving all
embracing all
we see beyond
our own means
to find it
living in
the divine will
we find
the Glory
of God

What is this love that demands so much good?

Acts 19:1-8; Psalm 68:2-7; John 16:29-33

never alone
we abide
in God’s
Holy Spirit
who guides us
even as there is trouble
in the world
in our minds
and in our hearts
leading us
from deception
and denial
we gain courage
and peace
through God’s gift
of faith

What guides your mind and heart?
How do you know what is true?

Acts 1.15-17, 20a-26;Ps.103: 1-2, 11-12, 19-20; 1 John 4.11-16; John 17.11b-19

the void
of the betrayer
filled by one
who can see
the love
poured out
from a God
who is love
our protection
prayed for
by one
who knows
while we allow
this love
this truth
to transform
our fragile lives
in a world
that would betray
in a world of power
that may hate
who we are
as we stand
in His truth
for the sake
of love

Have you ever been hated for the love you believe in?
How do you share God’s love?

Acts 18: 23-28; Psalm 47: 2-10; John 16: 23-28

you say
until now
we have not
asked anything
in your name
you say
ask the Father
in my name
and you will receive
so that your joy may be complete

so we ask
for the end of war
and hate
and violence
and sin
and suffering
and addiction
and death and grief
exploitation
of one another
through slavery
and human trafficking
and greed and lust
and the end of
racism and sexism
and guns and weapons
that kill and destroy
we ask for love and peace.
we ask you
in Jesus name. Amen

What do you ask for?