Isaiah 1:10,16-20; Psalm 50:8-9,16-17,21,23; Matthew 23:1-12

not to be seen
but for some
greater good
we offer
works
as a sacrifice
of praise
to the one
called Love
caring for orphan
and widow
and one another
being exalted
in the humbleness
of our ordinary time

Do you perform good works to be seen?

Dn 9:4b-10; Psalm 74:8-13; Luke 6:36-38

the measure
of our giving
returns
to us
overflowing
from a God
of abundance
giving all
even as we
see all
of our own transgressions
and sinfulness
we give them
as well
to a mercy
and kindness
that forgives
returning to us
an unfathomable
love

Do you give yourself completely to God’s love?
How do you follow the command not to judge?
What is your measure?

Genesis 12: 1-4; Psalm 33: 4-5,18-19,20-22; Tim 1: 8-10; Mt 17: 1-9

God calls
into our hearts
we follow
even into
deserts
even into
the unknown
for we hold
God’s vision
within us
preserving us
in spite
of famine
and we are
transfigured
with him
and in him
dazzling
as the sun
radiant
as light
unafraid
for God’s love
is all
we need
we live
in God’s Spirit
and Truth

Do you hear him when God calls into your heart?
Do you follow?
Do you live by God’s light?

Dt 26:16-19; Psalm 119:1-8; Matthew 5:43-48

drawn in
by the Holy Spirit
we see
the living Presence
of law
and command
leaving all
we follow
a way
we barely understand
called
to love our enemy
knowing
it is not of
our own heart
but in the heart
and mind
of God

How can you love your enemy?
Do you hear it as a call from God?

Ez 18: 21-28; Psalm 130: 1-8; Matthew 5: 20-26

you call us
to a greater
good
higher
than we can imagine
leaving
our fuel
of anger
for one
of compassion-
virtue
our choice
for life
or death
living
in the
consequences
of grace
we enter
the impossible
forgiving
and forgiven
the place we are saved

How do you leave your anger?
How do you forgive?
Do you live in the consequence of grace?

Esther C:12, 14-16,23-25; Psalm 138:1-3,7-8; Matthew 7:7-12

we ask
and it is given
we seek
and find
we knock
and the door
is opened
to all
that we need
when we see
and know
that God
is all we need
and is given
freely
in love
for all

For what do you seek?
For what do you ask for?
On what door do you knock?

Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-44,12-13,18-19; Luke 11:29-32

hearing
the word
of repentance
we turn
from ways
of seeking
that have led us
astray
entering
a field of mercy
that absolves
and strengthens
our contrite heart
opening
a new path
of Light
and loving
that nourishes us
in the ways
of the Spirit
we have
all we need
for the journey
and give thanks

What word does your heart hear?
Where do you turn?

Isaiah 55:1-11; Psalm 34:4-7,16-19; Matthew 6: 7=15

His word goes out
like rain and snow
and will not return
to Him void
but with harvest
of His will for Love–
close to our broken hearts
and our distress
our prayers
are answered
and we are radiant
with joy
as God’s kingdom comes
God’s will is done
and our daily bread
is received
all trespasses
forgiven
we are delivered
from evil
and live in peace

Have you received His word into your heart?

Lv 19: 1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19: 8-15; Matthew 25: 31-46

God’s words
are spirit
and life
showing us
the way
to go
in thought
in words
and deeds
seeing God
in every need
of hunger
thirst
welcoming
clothing
caring
and compassion
showing
no partiality
justice
is God’s love
for all

Where do you see Him?
Are His words Spirit and Life for you?

Genesis 2: 7-9, 3: 1-7; Psalm 51: 3-6, 12-17; Romans 5: 12-19; Mt 4:1-11

turning from
the tree of life
we eat
of good and evil
aware of
our nakedness
we hide our being
from love
cast aside
we beg for mercy
from ourselves
until
one comes
from the desert
who knows
the true voice
and that
some food
is poison
even as we are starving
and that no proof
is needed
for eternal love
belongs to God
given
freely
owned
by all
and none

Can you hear the true voice?
What voice tempts you?
Do you test love and try to possess it?