Lamentations 2:2,10-14,18-19; Psalm 74:1-2,3-7,20-21; Luke 2:41-51

pouring out our hearts
like water
in the Presence of God
we seek
the peace
of the Holy Spirit
as we watch the violence
of the land
and the hunger
of the people
for Goodness
seeking the answer
in the temples
and through the prophets
we strain our ears
to hear
the voice of the Spirit
that unites
not the law
that divides

Where do you seek peace?
How do you hear the Spirit that unites with love?

Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Ez 34:11-16; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11; Luke 15:3-7

lost
we are found
strayed
we are brought back
sick
we are healed
from the Holy Spirit
of God
bringing kindness
and goodness
to us
and all others
we live
and rejoice
in God’s mercy
and love

How do you experience God’s love pouring into your heart?
How do you share this love?

Solemnity of John the Baptist
Luke 1:57-66,80

formed
in our mother’s womb
we know
who we are
as we are called
into the light
and named
by the one who loves us
we embrace
the journey
of our lives
with all of its mystery
joys and sorrows
being lead
through our questions
that are answered
through God’s love

What are your questions?
Who answers?
Does the truth of God’s love set you free?

2Kings 22:8-13; Psalm 119:3-40; Matthew 7:15-20

we see
the false prophets
alive in our age
spreading lies
and rumors
in greed
for power
what law
what covenant
will turn
their minds
and hearts
to goodness
and Truth
to save
the nations

What fruit bears the evidence of Truth?
Where do you seek Truth?

2Kings 19:9-11,14-21,31-36; Psalm 48:2-11; Matthew 7:6,12-14

a mind
wide open
to God
is lead
through
the narrow gate
that gives
birth
to new life
drawn
to the light
we do
the good
to others
that has been done
to us
giving
His word
of love
to all
that would hear
the earth
becomes
His holy mountain

Is your mind wide open to the word of God?

2Kings 17:5-8,13-18; Psalm 60:3-5, 12-13; Hebrew 4:12; Matthew 7:1-5

what is this
living word of God
effective
and able to discern
reflections
and thoughts
of the heart
cautioning
our judgements
that divide us
from one another
blinding us to
our own faults
calling us
to wisdom
as we pause
and see ourselves
in God’s mercy
and grace

Who guides your judgements of yourself and others?
Where do you receive clarity and wisdom?

Genesis 14: 18-20; Psalm 110: 1-4; Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9: 11-17

eyes
raised up
to heaven
 blessing
 our scarcity
we become
enough
through His life
to feed ourselves
and others
 through His love
as a new covenant
is written in our hearts
we remember
who we are
in our hunger
we are fed by Him
in the bread we eat
in the cup we drink
and
the life we share

Do you see God’s love in every meal?
Do you share God’s love through all you do?

2Chr 24:17-26; Psalm 89:4-34; Matthew 6:24-34

serving idols
we lose our way
given over
to worry
of what we are
to eat
and drink
and wear
lost in tomorrow
we have forgotten
who we are today
in this kingdom of God
made for love
and kindness
sharing
and giving
we have become
hoarders
and possessed
by what we own
divided by our thoughts
and ideologies
as we seek power
not seeing what unites us
only what divides
until He comes
to remind us who we are
and opens our minds
to another way
where all is forgiven
and a new path
to love begins

What are the idols in your life?
What opens up God’s love in your life?
What is the kingdom of God?

Matthew 6: 19-23

heaven
among us
we seek
our treasure there
not in things
where moth
and decay
destroy
or thieves
steal
but in love
and joy
and peace
eternal
patience
kindness
generosity
and compassion
the fruits
of heaven
given
freely
to all

Where does your treasure lie?
Where do you find heaven?

Sirach 48:1-14; Psalm 97:1-7; Matthew 6:7-15

words
of fire
come
that illuminate
the mind
and hearts
of those who hear
we pray
to our God
for the kingdom
of heaven
to come to us
to receive
our daily bread
to forgive all
as we are forgiven
to be delivered from evil
and let peace
settle
in our hearts
and upon the earth

What words of fire come to you?
What is your daily bread?
How do you give and receive forgiveness?