Memorial of Our Lady Of Sorrows
Luke 2:33-55

mother
of sorrows
we see you
at the cross
and enter
your anguish
as we see
the worlds sins
put upon him
contrite
of any
complicity
we turn
ourselves
over to
the love
we see
and enter
your “yes”
where our intention
meets God’s will
and divine love
is born

Where do you go with your sorrow?

Feast of the Exultation of the Cross

WHY THIS CROSS?

why this cross?
this ornament of human suffering
in our musings it can seem quite out of place
in comfort and complacency
yet let one moment of tragedy
need or desperation enter
and this cross is no longer a foreign land
but a shelter and home
a passage of power and transformation
is it magic–some talisman-
so it would seem as it is fashioned in gold
carved in wood and fashioned in beads
strung on necks and molded on rings
held up to vampires to send them rushing back to their graves—

yet kneel–
kneel before the cross
and experience the life
the whispers and struggle
and you will hear the world
the daily news
as the world wrestles with its horror and death
evil and cruelty
selfishness
politics and greed
ideological slaughter
it’s mass destruction
our grieving and loss
starvation and calamities
earths quake and worlds fall
within the cross

we are free to place our burden there
and leave as though it were some receptacle
some garbage pit or scapegoat
yet not for long
for His whispers, movement and life
are too compelling
He calls to us over and over
to visit this strange place of death
that calls us to Life

enter the suffering
the solitude and darkness of the tomb
and answer His call to “pray with me
pray with me
trust in me
the truth of me
the truth of here
and I will bring
you life”

how
long is
our suffering-

as
long
as
it takes
for
new life to begin–then there is no time
at all
no
need-
we
are
completed
resurrected
in God’s love


—Susan Morse

1Cor 12:12-14,27-31; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 7:11-17

from sorrow
and death
we arise
at His command
one body
in Christ
each a gift
received
to give
again
healing
assisting
teaching
interpreting
feeding
a world
in desperate need
with kindness
compassion
and love
we sing
God’s praises
everyday
with a joyful song

What is your gift?
How do you share your gift?

1Cor 11:17-26,33; Psalm 40:7-17; Luke 7: 1-19

one bread
one cup
given to all
not as sacrifice
but as love
beyond
our worthiness
authority
or ability
resting
in God’s generosity
a life
given
as gift
received
as love
we give
as love
from God’s
overflowing cup

What is Christ’s gift to you?
How do you share this gift?

Exodus 32: 7-14; Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 17-19; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15: 1-32

lost
He seeks us
with light
with calling
with patience
waiting
for the turning
of our hearts
offering
mercy
and truth-
with open arms
and contrite heart
we embrace
the homecoming
with joy
and celebration
of the return
to Love

Do you allow yourself to be found?

Luke 6:43-49

from
the rising
and setting
of the sun
we work
through
and with
God’s
merciful love
building
a foundation
of goodness
that
no storm
can wash away

On what do you build your foundation?

Luke 6:39-42

leaving
ignorance
we follow
the one
who knows
the love
of God
not seeing
our faults
in another
but in ourselves
we seek
counsel
in the place
of mercy
and are shown
the path
to life
and joy

Have you been shown the path of life?
Who is your teacher?

Feast of the Nativity of Mary
Romans 8:28-30; Psalm 13:6AB,6C; Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

conforming
to His image
all things
work
for good
for those
who love God
we are called
to live
according
to God’s purpose
God’s love
for all
we rejoice
and say “yes”
to each
invitation
of grace

How do you respond to God’s invitation?

1Cor7:25-31; Psalm 45:11-17; Luke 6:20-26

poor
hungry
weeping
excluded
we turn
our ear
to another
who offers
something
beyond
our means
reaching
into our poverty
we find
blessing
and live
in the paradox
of Christ

Where do you find blessing?

1Cor 6:1-11; Psalm 149:1-9; Luke 6:12-19

praying
through the night
we are strengthened
by God’s word
coming into the day
with new knowledge
and understanding
we join
the community
of healers
who bring
suffering
to God’s love
and compassion
leaving judgement
and offering
only mercy
we sing for joy
of God’s saving power

What comes to you as you pray through the night?
Do you join the healing community of Christ?