Matthew 22: 34-40

loving God
with our whole heart
our whole soul
our whole mind
we love
our neighbor
as ourselves
through this
all law
is fulfilled
our eyes
are opened
our ears hear
we are
at peace

What is love?

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?

Ezekiel 34:1-11; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 20:1-16

abandoned
by our shepherds
we are lost
and look
into our hearts
where God speaks to us
of love and goodness
there is
no partiality
in God’s love
as we labor
in God’s field
each receiving All
in a generosity
that bears fruit through
the Holy Spirit
we shall want
for nothing
as we see
each spiritual gift
unfold
before us
and shepherd us
home

What do you hear in your heart?
Do you experience God’s love and generosity?

Ezekiel 28:1-10; Dt 32:26-30; 35-36; Matthew 19:23-30

leaving
all attachment
images
and possessions
we pass
unburdened
through
the eye of the needle
impossible
on our own
we enter
the possibilities
of God
where each moment
turns
towards
the light
knowing
and beholding
the transforming
beauty
and Glory
of God

Can you let go of all you think you need?
What do you find?

Matthew 19:16-22

letting go
of all
that possesses us
we see
our treasure
in heaven
the heart
of God’s goodness
come to earth
in a love
that is within
yet beyond us
His commands
calling us
from idolatrous ways
to a Truth
that feeds
and sustains us

Do you let go of all that possesses you?

Proverbs: 9:1-6; Psalm 34:2-7,9; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

come to the house
of Wisdom
she will
feed you
she who
knows
life
living bread
of Christ
our meal
we taste
and see
the goodness
of the lord
wine of goodness
and life
and spirit
not drunkenness
ignorance
and foolishness–
in awe
we are taught
the ways of goodness
and peace
from
the one who knows

Do you know her—Wisdom?
How is Christ the living bread in your life?

Ezekiel 18:1-19,, 13B,30-32; Psalm 51:12-18; Matthew 19:13-15

our hearts
cleared
our Spirit
renewed
our joy
returns
and a willing
Spirit
sustains us
with the innocence
of a child
we return
to wonder
no longer
preying
upon one another
but living
in peace

Do you have a willing spirit?
Do you have the wonder and innocence of a child?
Has peace found you?

Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60-63; Psalm 12:2-6; Matthew 19:3-12

losing
the source
and ground
of our being
we forget
who we are
as we are fashioned
with our own pride
we become
blind
to others
breaking
sacred vows
forsaking
ourselves
yet still remembered
in God’s love
and mercy

Do you remember who you are?
How do you experience God’s presence?

The Assumption of Mary
Luke 11:27-28

seeking
our blessing
we find her
the one who listens
to God
with all of her heart
all of her soul
and all of her mind
offering
her body
to give birth
to love
one who knows
the way
guides our own “yes”
to the word of God
our soul
proclaims
the greatness of the Lord
with her

Do you know your part in God’s sacred story?
Who guides your “yes” to God?

Ezekiel 9:1-7,10,18-22; Psalm 113:1-6; Matthew 18:15-20

sickened
by retribution
vengeance
and slaughter
we turn away
seeking
a way
to forgiveness
and peace

reconciled
in the heart of Christ
we embrace
a new vision
that sets us free
binding on earth
the strength
of love
and peace
marked for heaven

Do you turn away from vengeance?
Do you embrace the way of love and peace?