Ezekiel 34: 11-12, 15-17; Psalm 23; 1-6; Corinthians 15: 20-28; Matt: 25: 31-46

scattered sheep
we are lost
hungry
thirsting
naked
and ill
in need
of a shepherd
a guide
crushed in our
loneliness
our tangled webs
we are found
by his gentle hands
refreshed
overflowing
we face
the enemy
in our self
and are raised
to life
we feed
we clothe
we care
we tend
as we were
cared for
spreading
and nurturing
the kingdom
of love

Do you see your need?
Do you see the needs of others?
Do you care for these needs as you have been cared for?

1Mc 6:1-13; Psalm 9:2-6, 16,19; Luke 20: 27-40

from our grief
we cry out
and are touched
and saved
by a Love
greater
than our imaginings
a Love
that makes us
worthy
in the God
of the living
we give thanks
we give praise
we sing
a song of joy

What makes you worthy?

Luke 19:45-48

where
is truth
to be found
in these days
of story spinners
and money changers
cluttering
the sacred temples
of our minds
and hearts
changing
the sweetness
of God’s word
into bitter prophecy

in the stillness
we wait
in a cloud of unknowing
our soul
begging the silence
for the voice
of Truth

Who will clear our hearts and minds and soul for Truth?
What is Truth?

Philippians 4:6-9

Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true,
whatever is noble,
whatever is right,
whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—
if anything is excellent
or praiseworthy—
think about such things…
and give thanks.

What are you thankful for today?

2Mc 7:1,20-31; Psalm 17:1-15; Luke 19:11-28

with radical
faithfulness
to God’s law
of love
we turn
to what we know
is true
in awe
of the author
of life
we cry out
for justice
for the poor
and the hungry
that their body
and soul
be fed
and that tyrants
be turned away
from power

How do you remain faithful to God’s law of love?

Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary
Zec 2:14-17; Luke 1:46-55; Mt 12:46-50

In silence
before the Presence
of the Lord
we come to know
who we are
and proclaim
the greatness of the Lord
one family
living under the power
of God’s will to love
we birth mercy
and Justice
to the world

What do you hear in the silence before God’s presence?
Do you see Justice as God’s love for all?

1Mc1:10-15,41-43,54-57, 62-63; Psalm 119:53,61,134,150,155,158; Luke 18:35-43

Jesus, you say
“What do you want me to do for you?”

I say
teach me
the love
you have–
that extends
even to enemies
a love
that feels
so impossible
in a world
filled
with terror–
and that
I may see
with your eyes
of Wisdom
that cuts though
all deception
to Truth

What do you want me to do for you?

Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psalm 128; 1 Thess 5:1-6; Mt 25: 14-30

people
of Light
we turn
from darkness
awake
to God’s
power
in our life
the work
of our hands
God’s love
reaching out
to the poor
the needy
to all
we give
generously
not hiding
our gifts
but sharing
with joy

Do you share your gifts generously?
Do you live in the light?

Wisdom 18:14-19; 19:6-9; Psalm 105: 2-3, 36=37; 42=43; Luke: 18:1-8

rejoice
O hearts
that seek
the Lord
that your prayers
are heard
and that
saving grace
has come
despite
any violence
you may know
God’s peace
and love
lives among us
by our desire
for it

Is your heart’s desire God’s love and peace?

Wisdom 13:1-9; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 17:26-37

lost
in the created
rather
than the creator
we go
from thing
to thing
unsatisfied
until
we are touched
by the author
the one
of truest love
we follow
never turning back
eyes always
fixed
proclaiming
the Glory of God

Are you lost?
Where will you be found?