2Thes 2:1-3,14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Matthew 23:23-26

God’s word
living and effective
discerns
the reflections
and thoughts
of our heart
cleansed
within
and without
our vision
is cleared
we are set free
to see God’s love
at work in the world
encouraged
day by day
through grace
we turn away from blind guides
and serve the God of love

Is God’s word living and effective in your love?
What do you serve?

 Luke 1:26-38

an angel
a messenger
a grace
appears
with an invitation
to leave
fear
and accept
new Life
within
a life
a pure heart
can see
answering yes
from a deep place
of knowing
that in God’s pure Light
and Love
we are saved

Do you say “yes” to God’s invitation?

Isaiah 66:18-21; Ps 117:1, 1; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13: 22-30

called from the ends of
the earth
to the narrow door
we enter
one by one
into His Life
not as one
social event
but into
a way of life
mind
body
and soul
disciplined
we die
to our self
shedding all
that is false
all that is evil
and live in
the fruit
of peace
and justice
with all
who are trained
in his wisdom

How do you spread the good news of God’s love to the world?
Are we strengthened by God’s love?

Ez 43:1-7; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 23:1-12

We see
God’s glory
and our spirit
is lifted
a voice
speaks
of a the peace
and kindness
we long for-
not shrouded
in formality
as a heavy burden
but in the freedom
found
in the love
and care
of one another

Do you experience the freedom of God’s love in another?

Matthew 22: 34-40

loving God
with our whole heart
our whole soul
our whole mind
we love
our neighbor
as ourselves
through this
all law
is fulfilled
our eyes
are opened
our ears hear
we are
at peace

What is love?

Ezekiel 34:1-11; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 20:1-16

feeling
abandoned
by our shepherds
we are lost
and look
into our hearts
where God speaks to us
of love and goodness
there is
no partiality
in God’s love
as we labor
in God’s field
each receiving
All
in a generosity
that bears fruit through
the Holy Spirit
we shall want
for nothing
as we see
each spiritual gift
unfold
before us
and shepherd us
home

What do you hear in your heart?
Do you experience God’s love and generosity?

Ezekiel 28:1-10; Dt 32:26-30; 35-36; Matthew 19:23-30

leaving
all attachment
images
and possessions
we pass
unburdened
through
the eye of the needle
impossible
on our own
we enter
the possibilities
of God
where each moment
turns
towards
the light
knowing
and beholding
the transforming
beauty
and Glory
of God

Can you let go of all you think you need?
What do you find?

The Assumption of Mary
Rv 11:19; 12:1-6,10; Psalm 45:10-16; 1Cor 15:20-27; Luke 1:30-56

our souls
proclaim
the greatness
of the Lord
our Spirit
rejoices
in God
our savior
who offers
mercy
and strength
filling
all of our needs
helping us
never forgetting
His promise
we feel the Light
of His love
within us
leaping up
for joy

How do you experience God’s light within you?
What angel speaks to you?

Jeremiah 38: 4-6, 8-10; Hebrews 12: 1-4; Psalms 40: 2-4, 18; Luke 12: 49-53

eyes fixed on Jesus
we are ignited
by the fires of spirit
knowing
who we are
we stand
in His Truth
one
with all
in God’s love
raised
from starvation
and thirst
to a song of mercy
placed within us
we endure
with Him
and do not grow despondent
nor abandon the struggle
with our eyes fixed
on Him

Are your eyes fixed on Jesus?
How do you receive your strength from Him?

Ezekiel 18:1-19,, 13B,30-32; Psalm 51:12-18; Matthew 19:13-15

our hearts
cleared
our Spirit
renewed
our joy
returns
and a willing
Spirit
sustains us
with the innocence
of a child
we return
to wonder
no longer
preying
upon one another
but living
in peace

Do you have a willing spirit?
Where do you find peace?