Eccl 11:9-12:8; Psalm 90 3-17; Luke 9:43-45

numbering
our days
we gain
wisdom
of heart
humbly
know we belong
to another
who owns
our breath
cherishing
the vision
of our youth
before
the trials
and testing
of age
we find refuge
in God’s grace
and care

Where do you find refuge?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every thing under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant.
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to tear down, and a time to build.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them;
a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces.
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to be silent, and a time to speak.
A time to love, and a time to hate;
a time of war, and a time of peace.

What time is now?

Eccl 1:2-11; Psalm 90:3-17; Luke 9:7-9

we leave
the despair
of vanity
where nothing
is new
the eye
not satisfied
with seeing
the ear
not satisfied
with hearing
we enter
the wisdom
of God
where each day
dawns
a kindness
that fills us
 with a new song
of joy
in our heart
as we find
a refuge
in the heart
of God

Do you find refuge in the heart of God?

Eph 4:1-7,11-13; Psalm 19:2-5; Matthew 9:9-13

day
pours out
the word
to day
and night
to night
imparts knowledge
not a word
nor a discourse
whose voice
is not heard
through all the earth
their voice
resounds
and to the ends
of the world
their message
“Follow me”

Do you hear God’s voice and follow?

Proverbs 21:1-6,10-13; Psalm 119:1,27,30,34,35,40; Luke 8:19-21

to hear
the Word
and act on it
proves
a heart
set right
in God’s eye
not our own
far from
haughtiness
arrogance
and pride
we listen
and meditate
on the Truth
set before us
living
and breathing
Justice

Are you open to God’s word and act on it?

Proverbs 3:27-34; Psalm 15:2-5; Luke 8:16-18

words of wisdom
flow
for our benefit
proverbs
for life
to hearts
full of fear
of death
and sickness
sorrow and
ignorance
igniting a Light
that cannot be
hidden
or extinguished
for God sees
into our hearts
knowing
our longings
healing
in His time
and wisdom
through our faith
that we may endure

Where is your faith?

Amos 8: 4-7; Psalm 113: 1-8; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16: 1-13

God
you are
One
all is yours
do not forget us
you who lift up
the poor
break
our chains
lead us
to your peace
and tranquility
that we
may see
one another as
not for sale
not for use
but for love
in every
small thing
we work
for you
giving all
we have
gaining
your trust
we lift our hand
freed from anger
freed from dissension
freed to love

Do you try to buy another or truly give?
Do you try to use another or truly share?
Do you see that you are one in God?

1Cor 15:35-37, 42-49; Psalm 56:10-14; Luke 8:4-15

seed sown
within
we are
more
than our body
that perishes
Spirit
that breathes
and guides us
protecting us
from all
that would steal
our soul
and mind
a rich soil
that nourishes us
we set out roots
deep
into
God’s presence

Are your roots drawn deeply into God’s loving presence?

1Cor15:12-20; Psalm 17:1-8,15; Matthew 11:25

resurrected
we see
the light
of Christ
healing touch
of love
and mercy
in a world
of desperate need
content
we work
for peace
within
His peace
always mindful
of God’s presence

Are you always mindful of God’s presence?

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

1Cor 15:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2,16-17,28; John 19:25-27

helpless
before
the world’s
sin
suffering
and death
she beholds
her son
given over
for us
mother of sorrow
mother of compassion
with us
in a binding love
to God
to all
for a salvation
freely given
that we only need
to accept
and give thanks

Do you accept the salvation given freely?