Feast of the Exultation of the Cross

WHY THIS CROSS?

why this cross?
this ornament of human suffering
in our musings it can seem quite out of place
in comfort and complacency
yet let one moment of tragedy
need or desperation enter
and this cross is no longer a foreign land
but a shelter and home
a passage of power and transformation
is it magic–some talisman-
so it would seem as it is fashioned in gold
carved in wood and fashioned in beads
strung on necks and molded on rings

yet kneel–
kneel before the cross
and experience the life
the whispers and struggle
and you will hear the world
the daily news
as the world wrestles with its horror and death
evil and cruelty
selfishness
politics and greed
ideological slaughter
it’s mass destruction
our grieving and loss
starvation and calamities
earths quake and worlds fall
within the cross

we are free to place our burden there
and leave as though it were some receptacle
some garbage pit or scapegoat
yet not for long
for His whispers, movement and life
are too compelling
He calls to us over and over
to visit this strange place of death
that calls us to Life

enter the suffering
the solitude and darkness of the tomb
and answer His call to “pray with me
pray with me
trust in me
the truth of me
the truth of here
and I will bring
you life”

how
long is
our suffering-

as
long
as
it takes
for
new life to begin–then there is no time
at all
no
need-
we
are
completed
resurrected
in God’s love

How does the cross become the tree of Life?

Col 3:1-11; Psalm 145: 2-3,1-=11,12-13; Luke 6:20-26

knowing
our need
in hunger
poverty
and grief
we look
to what is above
far from
greed
anger
malice
and evil desires
we seek
compassion
as God
is compassionate
loving us
in our sufferings
we are healed
and give thanks
showing the compassion
to others
that we have been given

Have you experienced God’s compassion?

Col 2:6-15; Psalm 145: 1-11; Luke 6:12-19

walking
with Jesus
rooted
in Jesus
our faith
is built
and established
guiding us
from empty
and seductive ways
our hearts are open
our eyes are fixed
on God’s love
and compassion
for all
called by name
we follow
and are healed

Do you hear God calling your name?
How do you answer?

Col 1:24-2:3; Psalm 62: 6-9; Luke 6:6-11

we stretch
out our hand
and are healed
by the one
in whom
all the
treasures
of wisdom
and knowledge
are hidden
who would
save life
rather
than destroy it
we are
brought
together
in love
chosen
to make
manifest
the light
of the Christ
in us
laboring
and struggling
with His power
working
within

Do you experience the life of Christ in you?
Do you experience His healing touch?

Ezekiel 33:7-9; Psalm 95:1-2, 6-9; Romans 13:8-10; Mt 18:15-20

with an open heart
the watchman
waits
and listens
for a word
of truth
from God
then proclaims
what is heard
from the law
of love…
we are to owe
nothing
but love
to one another
seeking
each other’s good
and singing
joyfully
with gratitude
to our creator

Do you listen for Truth with an open heart?
Do seek the good of another?
Do you owe only love?

Col 1:21-23; Psalm 54:3-8; Luke 6: 1-5

not bound by law
but by love
we are reconciled
to God
all is sacred
and held
in reverence
firmly
grounded
in faith
as we persevere
keeping
all hope
in the Gospel
where
every creature
under heaven
preaches
the Good News
of God’s love

Do you see the sacredness of all God’s creation?
Are you bound by law or God’s love?

Feast of the Nativity of Mary
Romans 8:28-30; Psalm 13:6AB,6C; Matthew 1:1-16, 18-23

conforming
to His image
all things
work
for good
for those
who love God
we are called
to live
according
to God’s purpose
God’s love
for all
we rejoice
and say “yes”
to each
invitation
of grace

How do you respond to God’s invitation?

Col 1:9-14; Psalm 98:2-6; Luke 5:1-11

we sing
joyfully
praising God
for all the blessings
of this day
reaching into
the deep waters
of faith
praying
always
to see God’s will
for love
in every moment
thankful
for kindness
and courage
and strength
and endurance
for our journey

Are you thankful for this day?
Do you cast your nets into the deep water of faith?

Col1:1-8; Psalm 52:10-11; Luke 4:38-44

in our sickness
He reaches
out His hand
and we
are healed
stepping back
into our life
we give thanks
and proclaim
God’s goodness
and kingdom
among us
trusting
always
in the mercy
of God

Do you trust in the mercy of God?
Do you experience God’s healing touch?

1Thes 5:1-6, 9=11; Psalm 27:1,4,13-14; Luke 4:31-37

drawn
to His words
and His light
we are amazed
and astonished
at His authority
and strength
as one who knows
God’s loves
and drives out
the demons
it is here
we wish
to dwell
in the house
of the Lord
with care
and concern
encouraging
and building up
one another
knowing
we will see
the good things
of the Lord
in the land
of the living

Do you experience the authority and strength of His words?
Do you experience God’s joy?
Are you a child of the Light?