Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 78:1-38; Phil 2:6-11;John 3:13-17

this God
of love
coming down
with words
of life
for us
pouring himself
into our humanity
that our hearts
and minds
might be opened
his cross
a door
to a risen life
that we follow
though a mystery
we understand
through the language
of suffering
through the language
of compassion
through the language
of love

What do you find in the cross?

Col 3:1-11; Psalm 145: 2-3,10-11,12-13; Luke 6:20-26

seeking
what is above
we find our life
in Christ
far from the world’s
greed
and anger
lies
and malice
divisions
and slander
we find
the source
of our Being
made for love
made for peace
a creative force
that wills
our goodness
our soul
proclaims
it’s “yes”
for here we find
our home

Where is your home?

Col 2:6-15; Psalm 145: 1-11; Luke 6:12-19

walking
with Jesus
rooted
in Jesus
our faith
is built
and established
guiding us
from empty
and seductive ways
our hearts are open
our eyes are fixed
on God’s love
and compassion
for all
called by name
we follow
and are healed

Do you hear God calling your name?

Col 1:24-2:3; Psalm 62:6-7,9; Luke 6:6-11

brought together
in God’s love
my soul
is at rest
through God
all of our hope
and strength
and healing
are with him
we shall not
be disturbed
no matter
our circumstance
as we stand
in God’s presence
we pour out our hearts
God is our refuge
God’s spirit
our dwelling

Is your soul at rest in God?

Ezekiel 33: 7-9; Psalm 95: 1-9; Romans 13: 8-10; Mt 18: 15-20

one law
we can know
we love
with open hearts
not hardened
and closed
to God’s voice
but singing
joyfully
with thanksgiving
that God
is in our midst
giving us
the strength
to do
to be
what we think
we cannot
softened
and formed
in God’ love
we feel gratitude
to know
who we are

Do you know the one thing you must do?
Can you do it?
Who is your neighbor?

Col 1:21-23; Psalm 54:3-8; Luke 6:1-5

once alienated
and hostile in mind
we are reconciled
and enter
a new way of being
leaving anger
and division
we do what needs
to be done
here and now
within God’s love
and grace
preparing for storms
we pray for the strength
and courage
that we need

What do you need?

Romans 8:26-30; Psalm 12:6; Matthew 1:1-23

called
for God’s purpose
to love
all things
work for good
as we say yes
to all
we feel
called to be
even as we struggle
to know
life’s meaning
and purpose
even as we see
our faults
and ways
we have gone astray
God leads us
home

Do you see all things working for good for those who love God?

Col 1:9-14; Psalm 98:2-6; Luke 5:1-11

we sing
joyfully
praising God
for all the blessings
of this day
reaching into
the deep waters
of faith
praying
always
to see God’s will
for love
in every moment
thankful
for kindness
and courage
and strength
and endurance
for our journey

Are you thankful for this day?

Col 1:1-8; Psalm 52:10,11; Luke 4:38-44

seeing
the way
allowing all
to be
in this
present moment
with God’s healing touch
we release all
that keeps us
bound to sickness
fear
and death
we live
giving thanks
every moment
for life

Do you allow God’s healing touch?

1Thess 5:1-6,9-11; Psalm 27: 1,4, 12-14; Luke 4:31-37

with the wisdom
of no escape
we embrace
this moment
where the light
of Christ
reveals
the eternal love
of God
expelling demons
we live
all our days
within God’s courage
his presence
the source of all
goodness

What is the wisdom of no escape?