Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Readings: 1Ez: 47:11-12; Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-0; Cor: 3:9C-11, 16-17; John 2: 3-22

we are
the temple of God
risen with Him
Spirit in-dwelling
cleansed of all
that would defile
we flow
with God’s living water
from this sanctuary
living in God’s will
that all should live
and flourish
with God in our midst
we shall not
be disturbed
God is our help
at the break
of dawn
we rejoice
at the astounding things
God has wrought
upon the earth

Do you experience yourself as the temple of God?
Do you experience God’s presence?

Wisdom 1:1-7; Psalm 139:1-10; Luke 17:1-8

God
the witness
of our inmost self
sees the desires
of our heart
sending
the Holy Spirit
to our longing
for love
and goodness
guiding
every step
even to the ends
of the earth
growing
our faith
beyond
what we could ever imagine

Who guides your steps?

Kings 17:10-16; Ps 146: 7-10; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

from our want
we give God
all we have
as we follow
Christ
who gave all
with open heart
these jars of flour
these jugs of oil
shall not go empty
shall not be dry
as we
put our faith in
and praise Him
generous spirit
securing justice
protecting strangers
the widows
and fatherless
the naked
and hungry
He is our food
He gives us
Life

Is God the food that gives you Life?
Do you give from a heart open to God’s love?

Romans 16:3-9,16,22-27; Psalm 145: 2-5, 10-11; Luke 16:9-15

God
you know
our hearts
and how much
we struggle
in the world
to be true
and trustworthy
to our Spiritual nature–
forgetting
who we are
we trust
in material things
over the Spirit
that brings life
and love
kindness
and generosity–
yet in this struggle
mercy
and grace
are found
and we are renewed

Are you trustworthy in little things?
Do you rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance at all times?

Romans 15:14-21; Psalm 98:1-4; Luke 16:1-8

by the power
of the Spirit of God
we sing joyfully
of kindness
goodness
and love
sharing what we know
in faith
through song
reaching beyond
mere words
into the soul’s
essence
and light

What song is singing in your heart?

Romans 13:7-12; Psalm 27: 1,4,13-14; Luke 15:1=10

we live
for God’s love
and see
God’s love
day after day
in the land
of the living
called from
our darkness
our separateness
and anxiety
to His light
we give
up our fear
and find refuge
dwelling there
we gaze
upon God’s loveliness
and call all
who are lost
to what we
have found

Where is your dwelling place?

Romans 13:8-10; Psalm 112:1-0; Luke 14:25-33

owe nothing
but love
to one another
giving generously
and mercifully
from God’s love
knowing
we own nothing
in our possessions
we live
in the light
of God’s grace
that dawns
through our darkness
God’s wisdom
showing the way

Do you live in God’s light?

Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40

a stillness
that looks
like death
is not
as our soul rests
in the hand
of God
even as we walk
through
this valley
of darkness
we have no fear
for God is with us
in a love
poured out
into our hearts
living
in a hope
that will not disappoint

Do you live in the hope that will not disappoint?

Rv 7:2-4,9-14; Psalm 24:1-6; 1Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12

seeking
the face
of God
we find Him
in the One
who comes
in blessing
of our poverty
of Spirit
our mourning
our meekness
our hunger
and thirst
for righteousness
peace
and purity
guiding us
through times
of great distress
we rest
from our burdens
in Him

Where do you find Him?

Dt 6:2-6; Ps 18: 2-4, 47, 51; Hebrews 7: 23-28; Mark 12:28-34

loving the God
who loves us
with all of our heart
with all of our soul
with all of our mind
with all of our strength
we find
our fortress
our deliverer
our safety
beyond the weakness
of our humanity
we live in the Holy Spirit
who we can trust
realizing
it is not burnt offerings
or sacrifice
that is God’s desire
but love
to be shared
with all

Do you love God with your whole heart, your whole soul, your whole mind?