Genesis 13:2-18; Psalm 15:2-5; Matthew 7:6,12-14

where is
the narrow gate
constricted road
that leads
to life
some cross
that calls us
through
its mysterious way
some mystical
birth canal
where we are
nourished
in God’s womb
then expelled
into the Light
of Knowing
spiritual senses
ignited
we live
in Heaven’s realm
of Love
tasting
and seeing
God’s Goodness
of All

Where is your narrow gate?

Solemnity of John the Baptist
Luke 1:57-66,80

formed
in our mother’s womb
we do not know
who we are
until we are called
into the light
and named
by one who loves us
we embrace
the journey
of our lives
with all of its mystery
joys and sorrows
being lead
through our questions
that are answered
through God’s love

What are your questions?
Who answers?

Genesis 14: 18-20; Psalm 110: 1-4; Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9: 11-17

eyes
raised up
to heaven
a blessing
over “not enough”
the few
are broken
with His body
to be
enough
His life
before the daystar
like the dew
in holy splendor
begotten
to feed
all that is
with His love
with a new covenant
we remember
our hunger
in the desert
fed by Him
in the bread
we eat
the cup
we drink
and
share

Do you see His life in every meal?
Do you feed others from His cup?
Does He complete your “not enough”

2Cor 12: 1-10; Psalm 34: 8-13; Matthew: 6: 24-34

in a world
of worry
concern
and fear
for food
and drink
and clothing
and safety
you say
“do not”….

seek first
another
called God
and righteousness
then all
shall be added
to you

How do you seek and serve this kingdom of God?

1Cor 11: 18, 21-30; Psalm 34: 2-7; Matthew 6: 19-23

heaven
among us
we seek
our treasure there
not in things
where moth
and decay
destroy
or thieves
steal
but in love
and joy
and peace
eternal
patience
kindness
generosity
and compassion
the fruits of heaven
given
freely
to all

Where does your treasure lie?

Matthew 6:7-15

“This is how you are to pray
Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be don,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.”

As you forgive, so will you be forgiven.

Do you forgive everything?

2Cor 9:6-11; Psalm 112:1-9; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

hearts prepared
by grace
we give
cheerfully
from all God
has given
knowing
we have all
we need
scattering seed
sowing abundantly
with no need for show
or reward
only doing
what needs to be done
to care
for God’s world

Where does your giving come from?
Do you have all you need?

2Cor 8:1-9; Psalm 146: 2-9; Matthew 5: 43-48

giving
themselves
first
to the Lord
they experienced
joy
and generosity flowing
even through
their poverty
and affliction
the miracle
of love came
even for their enemies
as prayer
for persecutors-
for this
we praise
and keep faith
in the Lord
who gives love
as justice

Do you love your enemies?
How?

2Cor 6:1-10; Psalm 98:1-4; Matthew 5:38-42

now
is the time
to live beyond
our vengeance
letting go
of all
that would keep us
from God’s love
and grace
we embrace
another reality
embedded
within our own
a clear vision
of Truth
enlightened
by the one who knows
no evil
no extra mile
no hardship
or affliction
can separate us
from God’s love

How does God’s love change your mind?

Prov 8:22-31; Psalm 8: 4-9, Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

before all
she was there
wisdom
first born
of His ways
pouring forth
in creation
we are in awe
and delight
even in our affliction
her wisdom
brings endurance
to virtue
to our life
in hope
we live
in His peace
and we will not
be disappointed
spirit of Truth
poured out
into our hearts
more and more
we see the love
of God
foundation
of all that is
and here
we shall live
with God
forever

Do we let wisdom reveal herself to us?