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?

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 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 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 your friendship
and peace

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

Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-6; Matthew 11:16-19

like a tree
planted
by running water
we are nourished
by the flow
of God’s grace
living law
guiding
the way
to wisdom
we stretch
and grow
and breathe
into God’s presence
sending down
deep roots
yielding fruit
in accord
with God’s nature
of loving kindness

Are your roots planted deeply into God’s love?
Do you stretch and grow and breathe into God’s Presence?
When she played a flute for you did you dance?

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98: 1-4; Eph 1: 3-6,11-12; Luke 1: 26-28

Mary
Holy Spirit
upon you-
you trusted
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?
To what do you say “yes”?
What Light is born through you?

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

laboring
we are burdened
having lost
sight
of our God
we are weak
and fainting
leading lives
of destruction
until we hear
His voice
“Come to me”
and we enter
His rest
and learn
from Him
we lift our eyes
and see our Creator
our strength renewed
in our hope
in Him
His kindness
and compassion
beyond
our imagining
we soar

Have you grown weary and burdened in your labor?
Where do you find rest?
Does your hope in God give you 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?

Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 5:17-26

with the aid
of friends
we are brought
to God’s Presence
we rise
and walk
healed of all
that cripples us
and keeps us
paralyzed
we walk
in God’s Presence
we see a Glory
burst forth
in the desert
joy and gladness
awaken
sorrow and mourning
flee
as kindness
and Truth meet
justice and peace
embrace
we live in the awe
of Grace

How do you allow others to help you into God’s Presence?
Do you allow yourself to be healed?

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
set upon
a holy mountain

the child
shall lead us
through a baptism
of fire
to your heights
one heart
one voice
where there
shall be
no harm
or ruin
all that
is not true
falling away

Will you follow the child to God’s holy mountain?
Will you bear God’s fruit?