Hosea 6:1-6; Psalm 51:3-4,18-10,20-21; Luke 18:9-14

we stand
in opinion
above another
proclaiming
a righteousness
we deem
our own
unaware
it is our humility
that brings us
home
knowing
our frailty
and our need
we open
to God’s presence
and love
Holy Spirit
and guide
we find
our way

Do you see your need?

Hosea 13: 2-10; Psalm 81: 6-17; Mark 12: 28-34

spirit upon us
like the dewfall
we hear
love God
first
with all
your heart
and mind
and soul
let no strange God
come among you
and take
the love
of neighbor
from you
forgive
and let love
blossom
as freely
as the lilies
casting as wide
a fragrance
as the cedars
and splendor
of the olive branch

Has a strange God come among you to take the love of your neighbor from you?

Jeremiah 7:23-28; Psalm 95:1-9; Luke 11:14-23

today
we hear
His voice
and open
our hearts
singing joyfully
as we know
who we are
in the undivided
love of God
treasuring
the words
of the prophets
and the healing touch
of Christ
living always
in God’s presence
in our heartbeat
and breath

Do you open your heart to God’s voice?

Dt 4:5-9; Psalm 147:12-20; Matthew 5:17-19

bringing
light
with His living word
fulfilling
a promise
and covenant
we are changed
by our desire
to follow
a way
that insures
a justice
and goodness
for all
each act
an effort
not to forget
the love
who breathes
our breath

Are you changed by your desire for God’s love?

Dn 3:25,34-43; Psalm 25:4-0; Matthew 18:21-35

our hearts
troubled
by the ways
of the world
we look to God
and are answered
by the Holy Spirit
who lifts us up
we remember
the ways
of kindness
goodness
compassion
and truth
always merciful
to the contrite heart
we forgive
as we are forgiven
and embrace
the Light

Where do you look when your heart is troubled?

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Isaiah 7: 10-14, 8:10; Psalm 40: 7-11; Hebrews 10: 4-10; Luke: 1: 26-38

Holy Spirit
your will
for love
and justice
finding
its form
within
a willing
womb
allowing
the birth of
God with us
to grow
within
our hearts
and minds
and being
the light
of your love
the only
sign
we need

What form does the Holy Spirit take in your life?

Ex 3:1-8, 13-15; Psalm 103:1-11; 1Cor 10:1-6, 1-12; Luke 13:1-9

barren tree
alone
untended
what chance
of bearing
until one
who knows
in compassion
reaches in
tending and
giving food
a drink
of Life
through pressing root
rock of Christ
with time and patience
mercy and kindness

ignited
in a flame
that burns
but will not
consume
we become
witness to the
Truth
His Life given
we are redeemed
from destruction
standing in
I AM
bearing
His fruit

What flame ignites you heart?

Mi 7:14-20; Psalm 103:1-12; Luke 15:1-32

coming home
to the embrace
of the Beloved
all is forgiven
and forgotten
as we celebrate
and renew
our life
in the Spirit
of kindness
and mercy
even as another
may envy
the compassion given
a greater love
has taken us
beyond
what could be
imagined

Can you imagine a welcoming love that forgives all?

Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13,17-29; Psalm 105:16-21; Matthew 21:33-43,45-46

we treat
what is
only given
to care for
as our own
denying
a share
denying
a harvest
living in
jealousy
of a brother
he is sold
yet God
in mercy
uses
even our sin
to save

How has God used His mercy to save you?

Jeremiah 17:5-19; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 16:19-31

blessed
is the one
who can see
across
the great chasm
that divides
to see
another
in need
and respond
with the love
of God
our Beloved
given
to share
with all
in a justice
that has
no impartiality
or boundaries

Have your eyes been opened?
Has your heart been touched?