Genesis 37:3-4,12-12, 17-28; Psalm 105:16-21; Matthew 21:33-46

rejecting
who God has sent
our course
of destruction
is set
as we think
we know
what is best
in our envy
and jealousy
and greed
yet what is rejected
becomes
the cornerstone
of new life
opposing forces
create
a new way
a new path
for eyes
and hearts
and minds
that are open
and set free

What is the path to freedom?
How does the Holy Spirit deal with rejection and betrayal?
How does God work everything for good?

Jeremiah 17:5-19; Psalm 1:1-6; Luke 16:19-31

blessed
is the one
who can see
across
the great chasm
that divides
to see
another
in need
and respond
with the love
of God
our Beloved
given
to share
with all
in a justice
that has
no impartiality
or boundaries

Have your eyes been opened?
Has your heart been touched?

Solemnity of Saint Joseph
2Samuel 7: 4-16; Psalm 89: 2-5; 27 and 29; Matthew 1: 16-24

through her
the Holy Spirit
brought life-
she followed

to Him
the Holy Spirit
brought life-
he followed

through Him
the Holy Spirit
brings us life-
we follow

How do you follow?

Isaiah 1:10,16-20; Psalm 50:8-9,16-17,21,23; Matthew 23:1-12

not to be seen
but for some
greater good
we offer
works
as a sacrifice
of praise
to the one
called Love
caring for orphan
and widow
and one another
being exalted
in the humbleness
of our ordinary time

Do you perform good works to be seen?
Do you feel seen and loved by God?

Dn 9:4b-10; Psalm 74:8-13; Luke 6:36-38

the measure
of our giving
returns
to us
overflowing
from a God
of abundance
giving all
even as we
see all
of our own transgressions
and sinfulness
we give them
as well
to a mercy
and kindness
that forgives
returning to us
an unfathomable
love

Do you give yourself completely to God’s love?
How do you follow the command not to judge?
What is your measure?

Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18; Psalm 27: 1,7-9,13-14; Phil 3:17-4:1; Luke 9: 28-36

transformed
before our eyes
we become
Light
with Him
a Glory
beyond
our understanding
yet grasped
by the soul’s longing
for a love
beyond fear
and shame
we live
in the courage
strength
and joy of the Lord
in the Light
of His presence

Is the Lord your light and salvation?
Whom should you fear?

Dt 26:16-19; Psalm 119:1-8; Matthew 5:43-48

drawn in
by the Holy Spirit
we see
the living Presence
of God
leaving all
we follow
a way
we barely understand
called
to love our enemy
knowing
it is not of
our own heart
but in the heart
and mind
of God

How can you love your enemy?
Do you hear it as a call from God?

Ez 18: 21-28; Psalm 130: 1-8; Matthew 5: 20-26

you call us
to a greater good
greater than we can imagine
leaving our fuel
of anger
for one of compassion
and virtue-
our choice each day
for life or death-
we live
in the consequences
of grace
we enter
the impossible
forgiven
and forgiving
where we are saved

How do you leave your anger?
How do you forgive?
Do you live in the consequence of grace?

Esther C:12, 14-16,23-25; Psalm 138:1-3,7-8; Matthew 7:7-12

we ask
and it is given
we seek
and find
we knock
and the door
is opened
to all
that we need
when we see
and know
that God
is all we need
and is given
freely
in love
for all

For what do you seek?
For what do you ask for?
On what door do you knock?

Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-44,12-13,18-19; Luke 11:29-32

hearing
the word
of repentance
we turn
from ways
of seeking
that have led us
astray
entering
a field of mercy
that absolves
and strengthens
our contrite heart
opening
a new path
of Light
and loving
that nourishes us
in the ways
of the Spirit
we have
all we need
for the journey
and give thanks

What word does your heart hear?
Where do you turn?