Feast of St. Mark
1Peter 5:5-14; Psalm 89: 2-17; Mark 16:15-20

speaking the language
of compassion
forever
we will sing
the goodness
of the Lord
we cast
our worries
upon Him
because He cares
for us
and provides
love and strength
and guidance
for all we must face
in the world
that challenges us
everyday

Do you cast your worries upon the Lord?
Do you speak the language of compassion?

Acts 6:8-15; Psalm 119: 23-30; John 6:22-29

we see
within
our daily bread
into eternity
for our soul’s nourishment
enduring life
giving all
we receive all
in the Truth
revealed

following
His precepts
meditating on
God’s wondrous deeds
our lives are given
meaning
hope
and love
beyond
what we could ever imagine

What do you see within your daily bread?

Acts 2: 14, 22-28; Psalm: 16: 1-2, 7-11; 1 Peter: 17-21; Luke 24: 13-35

hidden
in plain sight
He walks
with us
informs us
guides us
even as we are blind
unknowing
unaware
He sets us on
the path of life
our sojourn
to freedom
in a strange land
delivered
from futility
in one moment
bread raised up
our hearts
and mind open
to the joy
of the Lord
risen
alive
saving us
from all
that leads
to death
even death itself

Do you see him hidden in plain sight?
Do you follow His path?
Have you entered the joy of the Lord?

Acts 6:1-7; Psalm 33:1-2,4-5; 18-19; John 6:16-21

speaking
to our fears
He guides us to safe harbor
this One
who knows
who we are
lost
and alone
He shows us
a new way
far from the grief
and sorrow
of loss
to a place
of enduring love
that depends on no thing
but God’s love

Do you let God show the way?
Where does God lead you?

Acts 5: 34-42; Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14; John 6: 1-15

living
in the house
of the Lord
we gaze
on loveliness
a welcome
refuge
we live
in a courage
not our own
a light
shared
a salvation
given
from God
it cannot
be destroyed
we have
all we need
for each other
we give thanks
and share

Where do you live?
Do you share what you have?

Acts 5: 27-33; Psalm 34: 2-20; John 3:31-36

alive
within me
I know
your voice
your love
your guidance
my crushed spirit
you saved
close to my
broken heart
you healed me
you heard
my cry
and answered
I take
refuge in you
you guard me
from evil
a prayer
of gratefulness
for you is
always
on my lips

Does God hear your cries?
Is God close to your broken heart?
Are you grateful?

Acts 5:17-26; Psalm 34:2-9; John 3:16-21

in our poverty
we are rescued
with Truth
with Light
in our darkness
revealing
am imperishable Glory
that lives
and breathes
within each
created thing
for any and all
who have eyes to see
even the sight itself a gift
we have no claim to own
called only to be radiant
with the joy
in God’s justice
God’s love of all

Can you see it?

Acts: 4: 32-37; Psalm 93: 1-5; John 3: 7-15

what is it
to be born
from above
of Spirit
as a wind
that blows
where it will
we hear its sound
we feel its effects
yet from where
does it come?
what are
these heavenly things
you will
for us
one mind
one heart
no claim of possessions
as our own
there are no needy
among us
as all is shared
and distributed
according to need
from love

What is this love that demands so much good?

Acts 4:23-31: Psalm 2: 1-9; John 3: 1-8

each day
as the sun
rises
we are
born again
renewed
by His Spirit
given
our daily bread
to go forth
in love
and peace
even as we meet
resistance
in hardened hearts
greed
hatred
and temptations
we are confident
in His Presence
to guide
and sustain us

What sustains you?

John 20: 19-31

in your fears
and your doubt
you need only
place your hand
into His wound
and find belief

What is it to place your hand into His wound?
Do you find mercy there?