Memorial of the Holy Guardian Angels

with the joy of the Lord
as our strength
we embrace
God’s word
as trustworthy
and true
enlightening
pure
and enduring
bringing joy
to our heart-
as a child
of wonder
guarded
by angels
today
we rest
secure in God’s love

Does God’s word bring joy to your heart?
Is rejoicing in the Lord your strength?

Neh 2:1-8; Psalm 137:1-6; Luke 9:57-62

letting
the dead
bury the dead
not turning back
we follow
to new life
with nowhere
to rest our heads
but in the Spirit
that carries us
wherever we go
we are home
in God’s love
who gives us
all we need

Are you at home in God’s love?
Do you have all you need?

Zec 8:20-23; Psalm 87:1-7; Luke 9:51-56

the living God
with us
within us
we follow
turning from death
to life
embracing all
the Holy Spirit offers
with compassion
love
joy
peace
kindness
generosity
patience
self-control
gentleness
even as we face
terror, sickness and darkness
we are strengthened
with the light
of God’s courage

How do you embrace the living God?
How do you follow?

Feast Day of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels

Daniel 7:9-10,13-14; Psalm 138:1-5; John 1:47-51

longing
for a new vision
we see heaven opened
in awe
of what we see
the work of the angels
complete
we see
a place of no duplicity
or cynicism
a place of harmony
a place of love
working
one for the other
with no discord
a glory of voices
each knowing
their part in
the most beautiful music
ever heard

Can you see this place called heaven?

Amos 6:1, 4-7; Psalm 146: 7-10; Timothy 6:11-16; Luke 16: 19-31

seeking
our own comfort
above all
leaves us blind
to the cries
of the sufferings
of the poor
even as we are never
satisfied –
are we too
beggars of life
as our minds
are clouded
by delusion
searching for meaning
and truth
in all the wrong places

Where do you meet Lazarus?
How do you respond?
Where is truth?

Zec 2:5-9, 14-15; Jer 31:1-13; Luke 9:43-45

I will be for her
an encircling
wall of fire
the glory
in her midst
turning her mourning
to joy
her sorrow
to song
and even as He
was handed over to men
His spirit lives
guarded
and protected
by the living God

Do you feel protected by the living God?

Haggai 2:1-9; Psalm 43:1-4; Luke 9: 18-22

Jesus asks
who do you say I am?
we say
you are the Presence
that never leaves us
the Temple
that cannot fall
the Christ who suffers
and rises
who is with us
in ruin and glory
in fear
and in courage
in death
and in Life
the One
who is with us always
until all things
shine with God’s Love
and Peace

Who do you say He is?

Hg 1:1-8; Psalm 149:1-9; Luke 9:7-9

considering
our ways
we search
for answers
and find a voice
that sings
and rejoices
in between
all the world’s troubles
and dissatisfaction
lies the path
of truth
and life-
this is where
we choose
to live and love
in the God
who delights
in His people

Where do you choose to live?
Do you experience God’s delight in you?

Ezra 9:5-9; Tobit 13:2-8; Luke 9: 1-6

we take
nothing
for the journey
but God’s love
and faith
walking
in the footsteps
that have gone before us
accepting
hospitality
shaking off the dust
of unwelcome
we walk
humbly
always
in the mercy
that has been shown us
ever mindful
of our need
of God’s wisdom
and strength

Are you mindful of your need for God’s wisdom and strength?

Ezra 6:7-8,12,20; Psalm 122: 1-5; Luke 8:19-21

rejoicing
we enter
the house of love
brothers and sisters
in God’s care
desiring
and creating
a life in God’s will
listening always
for the Holy Spirit’s voice
guiding our minds
and hands
grateful
for what we have been given
generous
in what we share

For what are you grateful?