For this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3: 14-19

(image from the Convent of the Sacred Heart website)

Acts 11: 21-26; 13: 1-3; Psalm 98 1: -6; Matthew 5: 20-26

moved
by anger
we move
away
from God
holding
grudges
against
one another
our gift
is refused
at the altar
as we are called
to reconcile
with one another
helpless
on our own
we rely
on His grace

With whom do you need to be reconciled?

2 Cor 3: 4-11; Psalm 99: 5-9; Matthew 5: 17-19

the law
without
Spirit
ushers
death
carved in stone
no breath
or being
to guide
its way
until
His light
of fulfillment
comes
and we see

Today I set before you life and death…
choose life so that you and your children may live.  Dt. 30:19

2 Corinthians 1: 18-22; Psalm 19: 129-135; Matthew 5: 13-16

we say
yes
To God’s glory
To God’s truth
and light
within us
given
the Spirit
in our hearts
and security
in Christ
our footsteps
are steady
as his face
shines upon us
and his light
becomes
our own

How do experience God’s light and truth?

2 Cor1: 1-7; Psalm 34: 2-9; Matthew 5: 1-12

children
of God
we look
to him
and are
radiant
with joy
we live
in his mercy
our hearts
purified
by righteousness
comforted
we taste
and see
and enter
a kingdom
where our soul
is at rest

Where do you live?

Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 116: 12-18; Hebrews 9:11-15; Mark 14: 12-16, 22-26

beyond our means
to see
precious death
His life
His body
His pulsing
blood
poured out
calls us
to a living God
calls us
to Life
cleanse our conscience
from dead works
to worship
the living God
passing into
 His love
His truth
that we may know
the new covenant
living in us
beating
in our hearts
His blood
our blood
we are
His own

Do you experience his life within you?
Do you accept his new covenant in your heart?

Tobit 12: 1-20; Psalm: Tobit 13: 2-8; Mark 12: 38-44

do good
and evil
will not
find
its way
to you

give alms
with
no thought
of return

give all
and there
your treasure
lives

What is giving?
Why do you give?
How do you give?

Tobit 3: 1-17; Psalm 25: 2-9; Mark 12: 18-27

misled
we lose
sight
of our
spiritual nature
everlasting
outliving
our body
our culture
our means
we become
discouraged
despairing
in time
ready for death

then
a light comes
in revelation
drawing us
to truth
a saving grace
and we see
ourselves
anew
in the realm
of angels

Have you lost sight of your spiritual nature?

Tobit 2:9-14; Psalm 112: 1-9; Mark 12: 13-17

afflicted
and blind
we lose
our way
giving into
suspicion
and doubt
tested
our character
questioned

yet one comes
steadfast
of heart
calling us
to remember
who we are
one with God
who blesses
and lavishly gives
even in our weakness
our hope
lives in him
as we return
to God
what is God’s
leaving
Caesar to his own

Where do you turn in affliction?

(Dt. 4:32-34,39-40; Ps. 33:4-6,9,12, 18-22; Romans: 8: 14-17; Mt. 28:16-20)

we fix our heart on
God of heaven
God of earth
a voice
amidst the fire
raised from
testing
signs and wonders
from war
and terror
by his strong hand
and outstretched arm
we understand
his commands of love
from he who loves
justice and right
we rejoice
as all are chosen
our soul in waiting
we hope in
his word revealed…
his word
his breath
our creation and life
we live and breathe
with him
knowing we are
children of God
lead away from slavery to love
we teach what we have
come to know
in our heart
from love of father
love of spirit
love of Son of God
who is with us always
until the end of the age

Did anything so great ever happen before?
Have you heard the voice of God
speaking from the midst of the fire?