Nm 21:4-9; Psalm 102:2-21; John 8:21-30

living
as from above
we live
in God’s presence
always
loving
healing
forgiving
being a light
for one another
turning from lies
and cruelty
to truth
and compassion

Do you live by the light from above?

Solemnity of St. Joseph
2Sm 7:4-16; Psalm 89: 2-5,28,29; Romans 4:13-22; Matthew 1:16-24

not through law
but by faith
we are saved
giving up our fear
and choosing
to live in God’s love
listening
to the Holy Spirit
who guides us
and brings life
each day
as we give thanks
and walk with
one another
in forgiveness
and compassion

What is God asking of you?
How do you respond?

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:3-4, 12-15, Hebres 5:7-9; John 12:20-33

God who suffers
with us
the grain of wheat
that dies
we follow
this love
in our hearts
to serve
leaving behind
all we hate
of this life
injustice
lies
selfishness
greed
infidelity
and turn
with clean hearts
of mercy
goodness
compassion
willing spirits
we offer our
prayers
and supplications
cries and tears
while the law of God
is forged within
our beating hearts
made for love
made for His glory
each beat tells
us who we are
as we are drawn
into Him
new covenant
with God

What part of you must die to follow Christ?
What is the covenant with God in your heart?
How is God calling you?

Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always with you,
May the sunshine warm you always
til we meet again.

May the rain fall softly on you,
May the hand of God uphold you.

Christ before you, Christ behind you,
Christ beneath you, Christ above you.

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always with you,
May the sunshine warm you always
til we meet again.

Jeremiah 11: 18-20; Psalm 7:2-12; John 7: 40-53

protectors
of faith
blinded
by their own
expectations
could not see
His coming
even as
His words
touched
open minds
and hearts—
preparing to
destroy
and cut Him off
from the land
of the living
they closed
themselves off
from wisdom
each going
to his own house

Have you been blinded by expectations?
Have you closed your mind and heart for protection?

Wisdom 2: 1-22; Psalm 34: 17-23; John 7: 1-2, 10, 25-30

your presence
stands
in the truth
of who you are
born
from goodness
you challenge
and censure
our thoughts
as harm
is planned
against you
testing
by our own standards
we are blind
yet crushed
in spirit
broken hearted
we see you
in a new way
of mercy
and kindness
and grace
that lives
beyond our means
and lifts us up

How do His words challenge you?

Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 106: 19-23; John 5:31-47

without
a ready heart
we are blind
to the Truth
when it comes
ears closed
to the voice
who will guide us
we are lost
creating images
of no lasting
value
that we worship
then a voice
crying in the wilderness
a burning
and shining lamp
preparing the way
for the one
who will lead us home
to God’s love
in our heart

Do you hear the voice in the wilderness?

Isaiah 49: 8-15; Psalm 145: 8-18; John 5: 17-30

answering
your call
we pass
from death
to life
knowing
we are more
than flesh
and blood
earth
and stone
but Spirit
that raises us
to love
and kindness
caring
and compassion
restoring
a world
setting us
free
we rejoice!
we give thanks!
we sing!

Have you been set free?

Ez 47: 1-12; Psalm 46: 2-9; John 5: 1-6

we are
your living
water
flowing
from the love
of your
sanctuary
our refuge
and strength
in time
of distress
we live
in your presence
and rise
and walk
with you

What do you say when Jesus says, “Do you want to be well?”

Isaiah 65: 17-21; Psalm 30: 2-13; John 4: 43-54

in the dawn
you are there
our helper
who changed
our mourning
into dancing
we follow
as a new heaven
and new earth
are created
the past
left behind
with all of
our tears
living
in this place
of hope
and love
we rejoice
and give thanks
for the miracle
of life

Can you leave the past behind?
Do you see a new heaven and a new earth?