Jeremiah 23: 5-8; Psalm 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1: 18-25

God with us
in Justice
His love
abundantly given
to All
the Holy Spirit
upon us
we hear the angels
and are not afraid
saved from our sin
we no longer live
in the scarcity
of the land
but in
the generosity
goodness
and Glory
of our God

Do you listen?
Do you hear?
Do you act?

1 Thes 5:16-24

“Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not quench the Spirit.
Do not despise prophetic utterances.
Test everything; retain what is good.
Refrain from every kind of evil.

May the God of peace make you perfectly holy
and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body,
be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful,
and he will also accomplish it.“

Do you pray without ceasing?
Do you rejoice always?
Do you give thanks in every circumstance?

A Prayer For Turning Our Hearts Back To God
Sirach 48: 1-4; 9-11; Psalm 8: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Mat 17: 9-13

unknowing
unseeing
in fear
we destroy
that which
would save
Lord
make us turn
to you
let us see
your face
and know
your care
and protection
as you bring
new life to us
we turn with you
from our wrath
to love
and rest
in your friendship
and peace

Do you recognize His Presence?
Can you turn from your violence?
Have you turned your heart to God’s love?

Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-6; Matthew 11:16-19

like a tree
planted
by running water
we are nourished
by the flow
of God’s grace
living law
guiding
the way
to wisdom
we stretch
and grow
and breathe
into God’s presence
sending down
deep roots
yielding fruit
in accord
with God’s nature
of loving kindness

Are your roots planted deeply into God’s love?
Do you stretch and grow and breathe into God’s Presence?
When she played a flute for you did you dance?

Isaiah 41: 13-26; Psalm 145: 1 and 9, 10-11,12-13; Mt 11: 11-15

in the flourishing of earth
we will see Him
redeemer
the one who says
“fear not
I will help you”
the waters will flow
and the desert
will flower
we will see
and understand
that Elijah has come
no longer subject
to the violence of men
we live
under the power of love
and faithfulness
we know
our true God
through his Son‘s love
and the gifts of Holy Spirit
remaining always
in his goodness
and compassion
to all

What do you hear from the prophets?
How do you know your true God?
Do you experience the abundance of God’s love and mercy?

Isaiah 40: 25-31; Psalm 103: 1-4, 8 and 10; Mt 11: 28-30

laboring
we are burdened
having lost
sight
of our God
we are weak
and fainting
leading lives
of destruction
until we hear
His voice
“Come to me”
and we enter
His rest
and learn
from Him
we lift our eyes
and see our Creator
our strength renewed
in our hope
in Him
His kindness
and compassion
beyond
our imagining
we soar

Have you grown weary and burdened in your labor?
Where do you find rest?
Does your hope in God give you strength?

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Luke 1:26-38

an angel
a messenger
a grace
appears
with an invitation
to leave
fear
and accept
new Life
within
a life
a pure heart
can see
answering yes
from a deep place
of knowing
that in God’s pure Light
and Love
we are saved

Do you say “yes” to God’s invitation?
Do you experience the message as your own?
Where does Mary appear in your life?
What is her message?

Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 85:9-14; Luke 5:17-26

with the aid
of friends
we are brought
to God’s Presence
we rise
and walk
healed of all
that cripples us
and keeps us
paralyzed
we walk
in God’s Presence
we see a Glory
burst forth
in the desert
joy and gladness
awaken
sorrow and mourning
flee
as kindness
and Truth meet
justice and peace
embrace
we live in the awe
of Grace

How do you allow others to help you into God’s Presence?
Do you allow yourself to be healed

Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85: 9-14; 2Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1: 1-8)

he shows
generous patience
in his time
a thousand years
as one day
while the way
is prepared
for a a new heaven
and a new earth
that will be shown
by the one
who sees
as God
through love-

kindness and truth
shall meet
justice and peace
shall kiss
and comfort
shall come
to a people
baptized in Spirit
knowing their salvation
as Truth springs
from the earth
no more shall we withdraw
from this new life given
we shall call
upon his name.

How do you wait for his coming?
Do you see as God sees through love?

Isaiah 30: 19-26; Psalm 147: 1-6; Matthew 9:35-10:1-8

no longer
will our teacher
hide himself
hearing us
when we cry out
we will see him
and a voice
from behind
will sound
in our ear
“This is the way
walk in it”
healing our broken heart
binding our wounds
we are sustained
and follow
to labor
in God’s field
cleansing
curing
raising the dead
and bringing new life

Do you hear his voice?
Where do you see him?
How do you follow?