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?

Ezra 1:1-6; Psalm 126:1-6; Luke 8:16-18

a light lit
cannot be concealed
it is made
to be shared
revealing
all God’s grace
to our seeing
we are in awe
as gifts
more numerous
than the stars appear
and all of our tears
turn to rejoicing
our weeping
to laughing
as we trust
in God’s time

Do you trust in God’s time? What is the light that must be revealed?

Amos 8: 4-7; Psalm 113: 1-8; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16: 1-13

God
who is
One
all is yours
do not forget us
as you who lift up
the poor
break
our chains
lead us
to your peace
and tranquility
that we
may see
one another as
not for sale
not for use
but for love
in every
small thing
we work
for you
giving all
we have
gaining
your trust
we lift our hand
freed from anger
freed from dissension
freed to love

Where is your devotion?
Do you see God’s love for all?

1Tim 6:13-16; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 8:4-15

each day
God’s word seed
is sown
some days
snatched away
without root
or ensnared
in the thorns
of anxiety
and riches

yet some days
it falls into
the rich soil
of God’s love
embraced by
our generous
and good heart
bearing fruit

let this day
be a day
embraced by
God’s generous
good heart
a day of joy
in the presence
of the Lord

Is this a day of joy in the Lord?
Do you have deep roots in God’s word and love?

1Tim 6:2-12; Psalm 49:6-20; Luke 8: 8:1-3

offering ourselves
to the mystery of God
we find faith
and love
patience
and gentleness
courage and devotion
as we turn from our desire
for wealth
and all
that does not last
trusting not in money
or riches
but in God
who brings light
and truth
and love

To what do you offer yourself?
In what do you trust?