Feast of St. Stephen

Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59; Psalm 31: 3-8,16-17; Matthew 10:17-22

Holy Spirit
guide
of every step
your face
shines upon us
a Light
to show the way
when it feels
no one
can be trusted
we take
refuge
in you
commending
our Spirit
into you hands
we see
a Glory
in our giving
enduring
to the end
in your saving Grace

To whom do you entrust your Spirit?

Christmas Day

The Mass at Dawn
Isaiah 62: 11-12; Psalm 97:1,6,11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20

a city
not forsaken
where
light dawns
and
we rejoice
for nothing
we have done
but for the mercy
shown us
by a woman
who knew
her life
her seed
and
gave birth
to God’s
treasure-
spirit
lavished
upon us
through
the kindness
and love
of God
a savior
is born

Do you feel the light of His dawning?
Do you hold all of God’s treasure in your heart?
Have you felt God’s mercy born in your life?

Christmas Eve Day

Mass in the morning
2Samuel 7: 1-5, 8-12, 14, 16; Psalm 89: 2-3, 4-5, 29; Luke 1:67-79

the dawn
breaks
upon us
shining out
from a shadow
of darkness
and death
a gift
beyond belief
is given
all we have
longed for
freedom
kindness
mercy
forgiveness
compassion
and love
are given
to dwell

with us
in God’s
goodness
forever

Do you believe?

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 7: 10-14; Psalm 24: 1-6; Romans 1:1-7; Mt 1: 18-24

have no fear
for our God
is with us
founder of seas
and rivers
we come to see
the face of God
promised in dreams
born to woman
He came
that hearts
may be pure
our hands
sinless
drawing us
from the dead
we speak
His name
His truth
God made flesh
risen above
our sin
to new life

Do you let go of your fear?
Do you know that God is with us?
Do you feel God in your breath?

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

Genesis 49:2, 8-10; Psalm 71:1-4,7-8,17; Matthew 1:1-17

from age to age
God’s grace
flows through
the people
revealing
a Light
of Love
that comes
as Justice
to any eye
and heart
open to see

each name
written
in the heart
of God’s love
is called out
in hope
of return
to God’s peace
a peace
the world cannot give

Do you hear the call of Peace?
Do you answer the cry to love?