Luke 4:16-30

hope
beyond death
in God’s Spirit
we long to be raised up
leaving
our fears
and anxieties
knowing
a God
who reveals
a Holy Spirit
even in the ordinary
in the day to day
praying
to be graced with
ears to hear
and eyes
to see
God’s love
in All

How do you see God’s love?
How do you share God’s love?

Dt. 4:1-2, 6-8; Psalm 15: 1-3; James 1:17-18, 21-22, 27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

perfect gift
the word of Truth
planted within our heart
we hear the ancient law
of Moses
beating within us
we do God’s justice
in love of all
purified from within
our soul fed
we are saved
from evil
ways of greed
and malice
deceit and envy
arrogance and harm
reaching out to widow
and orphan
and abandoned–
we abandon
ourselves to God
becoming doers
of God’s word
not hearers only

Do you hear and act on the word of God in your heart?
Do you disregard God’s words and cling to human traditions?

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

leaving
the image
of a punishing God
we behold
a great 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 voice of God do you hear?
What God embraces you?

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

falling
praying
to be seen
to be known
praying
that we never hear
I do not know you
by the One
who is love
praying
not to be left
behind
that we always carry
what is essential
with us

What is this essential oil we cannot share?
Do you fear not being known?
Do you feel the anguish of being left out or left behind?

Memorial of John the Baptist
Mark 6:17-19

in fear
of another’s thoughts
and opinion
we do
what we do not wish
disregarding
the voice
of Wisdom
within
that asks for pause
and contemplation
of our greatest gift
of undying love
capable
of reaching
beyond enmity
creating a peace
that only heaven
knows

Where do you find wisdom?
Do you pause to hear Wisdom’s voice?
Do you trust what you hear?
Do you dare to love your enemy?

1Thes 2:9-13; Psalm 139: 7-12; Matthew 23:27-32

With God
who searches our heart
and knows us
there is
nowhere
to run
or fly
or hide
from God’s love
shining
into
the dark tomb
of us
bringing 
Light
to where
there was
none
enlightened
we see
what has
always been
what will
always be
a pure love
and we
lay down
our arms
and live
in God’s mercy
goodness
and kindness

Where do you try to run and hide?
Have you experienced his light shining within you?
Have you laid down your arms?

2Thes 2:1-3,14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Matthew 23:23-26

God’s word
living and effective
discerns
the reflections
and thoughts
of our heart
cleansing us
within
and without
clearing our vision
setting us free
to see love
at work in the world
encouraging us
day by day
through grace
we turn away from blind guides
and serve the God of love

Is God’s word living and effective in your love?
Who do you serve?

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

flourishing
faith
not dependent
on blind guides
brings 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

Who are your blind guides?

Joshua 24:1-2;, 15-18; Psalm 34: 2-3, 9, 16-21; Eph 5: 21-32; John 6:60-69

Holy Spirit
that gives us life
we rise
from flesh
to follow
our one true God
of love
who is close to
our broken hearts
who rescues us
in our distress
our bones
shall not
be broken
even in our suffering
we are loved
and we love
in ways
we could not imagine
this great mystery
of Christ
God’s love
alive within us
eternal

Do you feel God with you in your time of sorrow?
Do you follow the God of love?

Revelations 21:9b-14; Psalm 145:10-18; John 1:45-51

we come and see
the One
with no duplicity
and are witness
to the undivided heart
that sees
the glory
and splendor
of God
with the angels
among us
at work
we behold
we listen
we follow
and give thanks

Do you experience the glorious splendor of God?