Malachi 3:19-20; Psalm 98: 5-9; 2; Thess 3: 7-12; Luke 21: 5-19

by patient
endurance
we will
save our lives
taking care
not to be misled
by war
and insurrection
earthquake
famine
and plague-
we wait upon
the Lord
for justice
singing praise
singing joyfully
working quietly
with the Holy Spirit
let the sea
and what fills it
resound
the world
and those
who dwell in it
let the rivers
clap their hands
the mountain
shout with them
for joy
for those who fear
His name
there will arise
the sun
of justice
with its healing rays

Are you impatient in the Lord’s coming?
Are you misled by the ways of the world?
Can you endure in your faith?
Where do we go from here?

3John 5-8; Psalm 112: 1-6; Luke 18:1-8

pray
always
without
becoming
weary
for truth
and justice
in the land
though hidden
behind
the unscrupulous
it will reveal
itself
through
our persistence
and faith
in God’s goodness
and love

Do you pray always and persist in goodness?

2John 4-9; Psalm 119: 1-18; Luke 17:36-37

taken up
we see
a love
that heals
the great divide
one in Christ
who needs
no name
living among us
within us
all worldly powers
and enemies
disappear
in the silence
of God’s knowing
moving quietly
tending
nurturing
and giving hope
and courage
in times of distress
and fear

Where do you find hope and courage?

Philemon 7-20; Psalm 146: 7-10; Luke 17:20-25

the kingdom
of God
among us
feeding
freeing
restoring sight
bringing justice
to every
open heart
asking
the impossible
of our humanity
in its call
for forgiveness
mercy
and compassion
possible
as we are absorbed
into goodness
and love

Do you accept the invitation to be absorbed into goodness and love?

Ezekial 47:1-12; Psalm 46:2-9; 1Cor 3:9-17; John 2:13-22

though
the earth
be shaken
God is our refuge
and strength
in this time
of distress
temple of God
Spirit dwelling
within
will show us
the way to go
wiping away
all desecration
we will see
with purity of heart
God in our midst
shall not be disturbed
and will help
at the break of dawn

Where is your refuge and strength?
Which way will you turn?

Titus 2:1-8; 11-14; Psalm 37:3-4,18 and 23, 27 and 29; Luke 17:7-10

obliged
by the goodness
and love
we serve
wisdom
the gift of age
encouraging
others
to see
the spiritual gifts
around us
embracing
dignity
hope
faith
and temperance
living
in the simplicity
and joy
of knowing
who we are

Do you live in the simplicity of knowing who you are?

Titus 1:1-19; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 17:1-6

desire not
what is vain
but Holy Spirit
above all
who brings Life
and informs
all our days
mustard seed
of faith
within
will move a mountain
and open our hearts
to the living God
who holds all
goodness
compassion
forgiveness
and love

Do you open the door that allows the Holy Spirit to come in?

Macc 7: 1-2, 9-14; Psalm 17:1,5-6,8,15; 2; Thess 2:16-3:5; Luke 20:27-38

God
of the living
we enter
your eternal life
no longer
given to death
and suffering
of this life
even
as we die
at the hands
of men
we are restored
in you
delivered
from confusion
delivered
from evil
your faith
strengthens
and guides us
you rule
our heart
with love
content
in your presence
our joy is full
in the shadow
of your wing

Are you consoled and strengthen by God?
Are you willing and ready to give your life to God?
Do you see yourself resurrected?

Phil 4:10-19; Psalm 112:1-9; Luke 16:9-15

in need
and abundance
in hunger
and well fed
we know
how to live
and find
our way
to what empowers
with steadfast heart
in God’s love
we do not fear
and give
where there is need
not succumbing
to mammon’s power
but using wealth
for good
even in little things
we find reward
as we build trust
in God’s care
and compassion

Do you know how to live in need and abundance?

Phil 13:17-4:1; Psalm 122:1-5; Luke 16:1-8

relieved
of our debt
we are freed
to live
another way
a way
that informs
with a Spirit
of Goodness
and joy
no longer
enemies
of the cross
we see
its power
in love poured out
resurrected form
our food
Spirit rising
as our breath
we live
in the mystical
body of Christ

Where do you live?