Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34: 2-3,6-7,17-19, 23;
Matthew 21:28-32

crying out
from our poverty
the Lord
hears
and answers
crushed in Spirit
he saves
close
to our broken hearts
he comforts
hearing the “yes”
behind our “no”
we are raised up
to live beyond
the world’s deceptions
and pride
and follow
the voice
that calls us
to mercy
and justice
we live in
God’s love
of All

Where do you take refuge?
Where do you gather strength?

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17; Psalm 25:4-9; Matthew 21:23-27

we listen
to the utterance
of one
whose eye
is true
who hears
what God says
in love
and kindness
and compassion
author
of Life
we follow
this path to joy
set free
from delusions
of our mind
we live
in God’s
Holy Spirit

What do you listen to?
Who is your authority?

Isaiah 35: 1-6; Psalm 146: 6-10; James 5: 7-10; Mt 11: 2-11

we are patient
our hearts are steady
for we see
and we hear
and we walk
we are raised
from the dead
for our Lord is here
to save us
strengthening
our feeble knees

offered firm hands we rise
the desert
and parched land
within us
receives rain
and our soul
rejoices
and blooms
with justice
and love
and song
we have seen
the coming of the Lord
and know
peace

Have you experienced the joy of His coming?

A Prayer For Turning Our Hearts Back To God
Sirach 48: 1-4; 9-11; Psalm 8: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Mat 17: 9-13

unknowing
unseeing
in fear
we destroy
that which
would save
Lord
make us turn
to you
let us see
your face
and know
your care
and protection
as you bring
new life to us
we turn with you
from our wrath
to love
and rest
in the joy of your friendship
and peace

Do you recognize His Presence?
Can you turn from your violence to God’s peace?
Have you turned your heart to God’s love?

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Zec 2:14-17; JDT 13: 18, 19; Lk 1: 26-38

the messenger
appears
“I have come to
dwell among you”
greatly troubled
and pondering
we hear
“do not be afraid”
for God
has found favor
with you
Holy Spirit
upon you
a Son
conceived within
a light to you
and all
the nations
bringing peace
and love to all
that dare to hear

Sing and rejoice!!!

Do you experience the message as your own?

Isaiah 41: 13-26; Psalm 145: 1 and 9, 10-11,12-13; Mt 11: 11-15

in the flourishing of earth
we will see Him
redeemer
the one who says
“fear not
I will help you”
the waters will flow
and the desert
will flower
we will see
and understand
that Elijah has come
no longer subject
to the violence of men
we live
under the power of love
and faithfulness
we know
our true God
through his Son‘s love
and the gifts of Holy Spirit
drawn always
to God’s goodness
and compassion
for all

What do you hear from the prophets?
How do you know your true God?
Do you experience the abundance of God’s love and mercy?

Isaiah 40: 25-31; Psalm 103: 1-4, 8 and 10; Mt 11: 28-30

I lift my eyes
and feel the blessing
of the stars
as my burden
is lifted
by the Spirit’s wings
yoked
to a love 
eternal
my strength 
is renewed
in a Hope
I dared not have
until the one
who names the stars
called to me…
Come!

What blessings come as you lift your eyes to the stars?
What “rest” do you find in God’s love?
How does God renew your strength?

Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 96:1-13; Matthew 18:12-44

found
we rejoice
and sing
with the breath
of God
on our voices
grateful for life
and love-
though
we are as the grass
that withers
and the flower
that wilts
our soul
finds its home
in God’s Spirit
and living
word

Where do you find your home?
What song do you sing?

Mary
Holy Spirit
upon you
you trusted
as though through
the eyes
of one
without sin
without separation
from God
and conceived
within your being
a Son
who would bring
light
to our eyes
and
to the world…
with a song
upon our lips
we see
and rejoice

Do you say “yes” to the Spirit?
What do you say “yes” to?
What Light is born through you?

(painting by Adam Morse)

Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Romans 15: 4-9; Mt 3:1-12

God,
source of all patience
and encouragement,
you set your root
into our lives—
branching out
a Spirit of wisdom
and understanding,
counsel
and strength.

Peace
flourishes
in your tree of life,
rising from
the holy mountain
where justice grows
and all the earth
is filled
with your knowing.

As the One
leads us—
through a baptism
of fire,
through the clearing
of what is false—
into your heights,
one heart,
one voice,
where there shall be
no harm or ruin,
for all
that cannot bear
your truth
will fall away.

Will you follow the Child to God’s holy mountain?
Will you bear the fruit born of the Spirit?