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

giving
themselves
first to God
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?
How do you endure affliction and hardship?
Where do you find joy?

Ex. 19:2-6; Psalm 100: 1-2,3,5,; Romans 5:6-11; Mt. 9:36-10:8

borne up into Him
on eagle’s wings
by a voice
who speaks of Love
we sing joyfully
and with gladness
for the goodness
and kindness
that endures
forever
reconciled
we join Him
in healing Love
that cures
and raises us
to new life
giving freely
what has been given
at no cost

Does God’s voice and presence raise you up to new life?
Do you share at no cost what has been given you freely by God?

Luke 2:41-51

with great anxiety
we seek Him
as though He is lost
only to find Him
in His father’s house
He becomes
the Wisdom
we seek
lighting a way
showing a path
to love
and peace
we persist
in pondering
His words of love
in our hearts
with the help
of the Holy Spirit
we stay awake
to God’s Presence
praising
with music
and song
scripture
and poetry
compassion
and love
that bring forth
God’s joy into our heart

Where do you find Him?
How do you persist in pondering God’s words of love into your heart?

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Dt 7:6-11; Psalm 103:1-10; 1John 4:7-16; Matthew 11:25-30

sacred heart
filled with love
we have all
we need
letting go
of guilt
and anger
greed
and jealousy
we live
in the freedom
of God’s grace
forgiving
giving
and celebrating
we come
to Him
who will give us
rest

How do you experience the sacred heart of Jesus?

2Cor3:15-4:1-6; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 5:20-26

turning to God
the veil
is lifted
from our eyes
and we see All
as it was meant
to be seen
a Love
connecting
all of Creation
all in favor
of one another
a web of giving
flowing
creating
the Light
of Glory
from the darkness
the Light
of Christ
that sets us free

Has God lifted the veil from your eyes?

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

embracing
the Spirit
of the law
we enter
a love
that fulfills
all promises
nothing
is beyond
its reach
where forgiveness
and mercy live
and all hope
resides

Do you live by the spirit of God’s law?

2Cor 1:18:22; Psalm 119:129-135; Matthew 5:13-16

Spirit
of our heart
given
in promise
is the “yes”
to all that God desires
as His face
shines
upon us
so we shine
with the love
that is given
a love that no one
can take
from us

What does God desire?
How are you “salt of the earth”?

2 Cor 1:1-7; Psalm 34:2-9; Matthew 5:1-12

encouraged
in every way
by the Holy Spirit
we taste
and see
the goodness
of the Lord
in our poverty
our mourning
our meekness
and hunger
for peace
and righteousness
we are shown
a mercy
that clears our mind
and heart
to see
we become
radiant with joy

How are you encouraged by the Holy Spirit?

Dt. 8: 2-16; Psalm 147 12-20; 1Cor 10: 16-17; John 6:51-58

tested
in the wilderness
we see
the nature
of our being
hungry
alone
wandering
then
fed by God
we are free
in manna
we rise up
and behold
the bread
of life
Christ of all
one bread
one body
our bones
our blood
in God’s love
we move
and have
our being

How are you fed by God?
Do you move in God’s ways through the wilderness?