Zeph 3:14-18;or Romans 12:9-16; Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 1:30=56

our soul
proclaims
the goodness
of our God
from where
our strength
and courage
come
joy
leaps
in our heart
for the new life
God brings
rejoicing
in hope
enduring
in affection
we turn
from what is evil
and hold on
to God’s goodness

Where is God’s goodness?

Dt. 4:32-34,39-40; Ps. 33:4-6,9,12, 18-22; Romans: 8: 14-17; Mt. 28:16-20)

we fix our heart on
the God of heaven
the God of earth
a voice
amidst the fire
and the strong hand
and outstretched arm–
we understand
God’s commands for love
from the one who loves
justice and right–
we are happy
as all are chosen
and live and breathe
with Him–
knowing we are
children of God
lead away
from slavery to love
we teach what we have
come to know
in our heart
we are One
with the love of God
the love of the Son of God
and the love of the Spirit
who is with us always
until the end of the age

Have you heard the voice of God
speaking from the midst of the fire?

Mark 11:27-33

by what
authority
do these words
of Love
come
through
the silence
of prayer
to our hearts
and live
in flesh
embodied
exchanged
manifesting
a will
and intent
of God
supreme
Being
of Love
bringing forth
a sound
of joy
in song
and praise

How do we know what we know?

Mark 11:11-26

not surprised
by a trial
by fire
we are cleansed
forgiving all
that we  may be forgiven
driving out
any currency
but Love
we offer
our gifts
freely
to one another
believing
that all
what we ask for
in prayer
will be received
through God’s love

What do you ask for in prayer?
Do you believe you will receive?

Sirach 42: 15-25; Psalm 32: 2-9; Mark 10: 26-52

Calling out from my blindness
to one who knows the way
I say “I want to see”

He says
“your faith has saved you,
receive sight and go your way”

Accepting the gift I follow.

He says what do we see?

I say “I see justice,
God’s love for all”

Do you want to see?
How do you see this love?
How do you live this love?

Mark 10:36

Jesus asked
his followers
 ‘What do you
wish me
to do
for you?”

What do you answer?

Sirach 35:1-12; Psalm 50:5-8,14,23; Mark 10:28-31

releasing
all attachments
we see
into the Presence
of God
source
of our Being
all Love
Kindness
and Goodness
returning
not empty handed
but with all
that has been given
we are thankful
we offer praise
we are at peace

What do you see when you release all attachments?

Genesis 3:9-20; Psalm 87:1-7; John 19:25-34

standing by the cross with Mary
sharing the burden
of our separateness
our sinfulness
we see His cross
His thirst
and enter the mystery
of suffering
speaking a language
beyond our understanding
yet reaching a place
of knowing in us
where we live with Him
in God’s love
and say with him
“it is finished”
releasing our Spirit
to heaven’s joy

How do you experience the cross?
How do you respond to His thirst?

Readings for Vigil Mass
Ezekiel 37: 1-14; Psalm 104; Romans 8:22-27; John 7:37-39

groaning in our
agony of waiting
we knew not
how to pray
lifeless
as in a grave
we were lost
we have been
dry bones
walking
with no spirit
until He is set
upon us–
called
from the four winds
the Spirit comes
and breathes us
into Life
tongues of fire
ignite us
our imagination soars
one moment
changes all
as one we thought gone
appears
rattling bones
come together
bone joining bone
enfleshed–
we speak
with passion
the new language
of love

Can these dry bones come to life?
Is your imagination alive with His spirit?
Are you a living flame of Love?

Memorial of St. Rita of Cascia
A saint for impossible causes

Philemon 4:4-9

Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers and sisters,
whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious,
if there is any excellence
and if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received
and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.