Jeremiah 23:5-8; Psalm 72: 1-2, 12-18, 18-10; Matthew 1:18-25

letting go
of fear
we receive
new life
Holy Spirit
of God’s glory
seeking us
in our consent
we pray
for the courage
to say
yes
to God’s justice…
that God’s love
of all
may flourish

 Can you let go of your fear?
Do you see justice as God’s love of all?

Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Psalm 71:1-4,7-8,17; Matthew 1:1-17

from age to age
God’s grace
flows through
the people
revealing
a Light
of Love
that comes
as Justice
to any eye
and heart
open to see

each name
written
in the heart
of its author
is called out
in hope
of return
to God’s peace
a peace
the world cannot give

Do you hear the call of Peace?

Isaiah 45:6-8,18,21-25; Psalm 85: 9-14; Luke 7:18-23

Where is
the one God
of whom
there is no other
forming light
creating darkness
making well being
creating woes
doing all things?

Where is the justice
that descends
like the dew
like gentle rain
that the earth
opens to
and salvation
buds forth?

Where is the justice
that springs up?

Do the blind see?
Do the deaf hear?
Do the poor hear good news?

Where is the God
we turn to
to be safe?

Where is our faith?

Zep 3:1-2, 9-13; Psalm 34: 2-3,6-7,17-19, 23; Matthew 21:28-32

crying out
from our poverty
the Lord
hears
and answers
crushed in Spirit
he saves
close
to our broken hearts
he comforts
hearing the “yes”
behind our “no”
we are raised up
to live beyond
the world’s deceptions
and pride
and follow
the voice
that calls us
to mercy
and justice
we live in
God’s love
of All

Where do you take refuge?
Where do you gather strength?

Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17; Psalm 25:4-9; Matthew 21:23-27

we listen
to the utterance
of one
whose eye
is true
who hears
what God says
in love
and kindness
and compassion
author
of Life
we follow
this path
set free
from delusions
of our mind
we live
in God’s
Holy Spirit

What do you listen to?

Isaiah 61:1-2A; Luke 1:-46-50, 53-54; 1Thes 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

rejoicing in
the Spirit of the Lord
who has come upon us
healing
releasing
and bringing glad tidings
to the poor
our soul rejoices
praying without ceasing
and giving thanks
in all circumstances
testing everything
retaining what is good
refraining from evil
living in God’s faithfulness
following the path
to Light
and Love

Do you rejoice in the Spirit of the Lord?
Do you pray without ceasing?
Do you give thanks in all circumstances?

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Zec 2:14-17; JDT 13: 18, 19; Lk 1: 26-38

the messenger
appears
“I have come to
dwell among you”
greatly troubled
and pondering
we hear
“do not be afraid”
for God
has found favor
with you
Holy Spirit
upon you
a Son
conceived within
a light to you
and all
the nations
bringing peace
and love to all
that dare to hear

Sing and rejoice!!!

Do you experience the message as your own?

Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-6; Matthew 11:16-19

like a tree
planted
by running water
we are nourished
by the flow
of God’s grace
living law
guiding
the way
to wisdom
we stretch
and grow
and breathe
into God’s presence
sending down
deep roots
yielding fruit
in accord
with God’s nature
of loving kindness

Are your roots planted deeply into God’s love?
Do you stretch and grow and breathe into God’s Presence?
Where are your roots planted in the world?

Isaiah 41: 13-26; Psalm 145: 1 and 9, 10-11,12-13; Mt 11: 11-15

in the flourishing of earth
we will see Him
redeemer
the one who says
“fear not
I will help you”
the waters will flow
and the desert
will flower
we will see
and understand
that Elijah has come
no longer subject
to the violence of men
we live
under the power of love
and faithfulness
we know
our true God
through his Son
and the Holy Spirit
and remain
in his goodness
and compassion
to all

Do you hear the prophets?
How do you know your true God?
Do you experience the abundance of God’s love and mercy?

Isaiah 40: 25-31; Psalm 103: 1-4, 8 and 10; Mt 11: 28-30

laboring
we are burdened
having lost
sight
of our God
we are weak
and fainting
leading lives
of destruction
until we hear
His voice
“Come to me”
and we enter
His rest
and learn
from Him
we lift our eyes
and see our Creator
our strength renewed
in our hope
in Him
His kindness
and compassion
beyond
our imagining
we soar

Have you grown weary and burdened in your labor?
Where do you find rest?
Does your hope in God give you strength?