2Cor 8:1-9; Psalm 146: 2-9; Matthew 5: 43-48

giving
themselves
first
to the Lord
they experienced
joy
and generosity
flowing
even through
their poverty
and affliction
and the miracle
of love
even of enemies
and prayer
for persecutors
for this
we praise
and keep faith
in the Lord
who gives
justice
as love

Do you love your enemies?

2Cor 6: 1-10; Psalm 98: 1-4; Matthew 5: 38-42

letting go
of the violence
of possession
we give
our coat
and walk
the extra mile
giving
to the one
who asks
enduring
in affliction
and hardship
with patience
and kindness
and love
seen as poor
and sorrowful
or dying
we live
in joy
having
all we need
in God
we sing
and rejoice

Have you let go of the violence of possession?

2 Cor 5: 14-21; Psalm 103: 1-12; Mt 5: 33-37

reconciled
In Christ
we are
a new creation
no longer
seen for our
iniquities
trespasses
or acts of destruction
but for a life
of kindness
and compassion
given
for our oneness
with all
knowing
we live
only for
God’s truth
God’s love
Of all

Do you live with kindness and compassion?

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?