Sirach 3:17-18,20,28-29; Psalm 68:4-11; Hebrews 12:18-24; Luke 14:1,7-14

exalting
ourselves
we reach
beyond
our need
striving for
favored seats
and reward
we forsake
God’s justice
and love
seeking
into things
beyond
our strength
yet humbled
we are
showered with
beautiful rains
and make a home
in God’s goodness
city of the living God
we leave
our fear
and trembling
gloomy darkness
and storm
and open
to Jesus’
saving power
saving love

What is humility?
What do you seek?

1Cor 1:26-31; Psalm 33:12-13,18-19;20-21; Matthew 25:14-30

beyond
the God
of wailing
and grinding
of teeth
we behold
a greater power
of love
who delivers us
from death
preserves us
in famine
who is our help
our shield
God of love
we see mercy
and forgiveness
and surrender all
to our infinite source
and creator

What God embraces you?

1Cor 1:17-25; Psalm 33:1-5,10-11; Matthew 25:1-13

what wisdom
in this cross
this crucified one
this Son of God
accepting
a death
in a silence
beyond
our ways
of knowing
appearing foolish
as we seek
escape
yet
standing ready
at the door
we know
in faith
He will
appear again
as our hearts
are opened
and flooded
with the light
of God’s love
eternal
that he brings

Is the door of your heart opened to His light and love?

1Cor 1:1-9; Psalm 145:2-7; Matthew 24:42-51

we hear
his words
to stay awake
for his coming
is now
in every
spriritual gift
given
for our blessing
and blessing others
day to day
God’s goodness
unsearchable
in the infinite ways
it is imparted
we sing
of God’s justice
and mercy
kindness
compassion
and love

Are you awake to God’s word

Rev 21:9b-14; Psalm 145:10-18; John1:45-51

seen
by Christ
through the desires
of our prayers
we are
answered
by a love
that opens
a door
to a glorious splendor
radiant
and clear
as crystal
extending
in all directions
no duplicity
only Truth
and wonder
in the Oneness
of Being

Does Christ see you through the desire of your prayer?

2Thes 1:1-5,11-12; Psalm 96:1-5; Matthew 23:13-22

flourishing
faith
bring forth
the sacred
in all
God’s gifts
not mistaking
the form
for its source
we sing
and bless
God’s awesome
presence
even in our affliction
we know
we are safe
in God’s love
and grace

What makes the gift sacred?

Isaiah 66:18-21; Psalm 117:1; Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13; Luke 13: 22-30

called from
the ends of
the earth
to the narrow door
we enter
one by one
into
a way of life
mind
body
soul
transformed
we die
to our self
shedding all
that is false
all that is evil
living in
the fruit
of peace
and justice
with
God’s wisdom

Are you strengthened by His word?
Do you tell the world of His good news?

Ez 43:1-7; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 23:1-12

God’s glory
shown
our spirit
lifted
a voice
speaks
of a peace
and kindness
we long for
not shrouded
in formality
as a heavy burden
but in the freedom
found
in the love
and care
of one another
this
is what
we serve

Do you experience the freedom of God’s love in another?

Ez 37:1-14; Psalm 107:2-9; Matthew 22:34-40

our dry bones
are given over
to Spirit
we come
to life
the longing
of our soul
satisfied
we know
what is greatest
to love our God
with all of
our heart
and soul
and mind
and to love
our neighbor
as our self
all depends
on this

Have your dry bones been given over to the Holy Spirit?

Ez 36:23-28; Psalm 51:12-19; Matthew 22:1-14

our vision
cleared
we regain
our sight
and hearts
of stone
become
hearts
of flesh
love
returns
as the Spirit
dressed
in Truth
guides
our completion
no longer
subject
to cruelty
we live
in the Presence
of compassion

Do you have a heart of compassion?