Ezra 1:1-6; Psalm 126:1-6; Luke 8:16-18

a light lit
cannot be concealed
it is made
to be shared
revealing
all God’s grace
to our seeing
we are in awe
as gifts
more numerous
than the stars appear
and all of our tears
turn to rejoicing
our weeping
to laughing
as we trust
in God’s time

Do you trust in God’s time? What is the light that must be revealed?

Amos 8: 4-7; Psalm 113: 1-8; 1 Timothy 2:1-8; Luke 16: 1-13

God
who is
One
all is yours
do not forget us
as you who lift up
the poor
break
our chains
lead us
to your peace
and tranquility
that we
may see
one another as
not for sale
not for use
but for love
in every
small thing
we work
for you
giving all
we have
gaining
your trust
we lift our hand
freed from anger
freed from dissension
freed to love

Where is your devotion?
Do you see God’s love for all?

1Tim 6:13-16; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 8:4-15

each day
God’s word seed
is sown
some days
snatched away
without root
or ensnared
in the thorns
of anxiety
and riches

yet some days
it falls into
the rich soil
of God’s love
embraced by
our generous
and good heart
bearing fruit

let this day
be a day
embraced by
God’s generous
good heart
a day of joy
in the presence
of the Lord

Is this a day of joy in the Lord?
Do you have deep roots in God’s word and love?

1Tim 6:2-12; Psalm 49:6-20; Luke 8: 8:1-3

offering ourselves
to the mystery of God
we find faith
and love
patience
and gentleness
courage and devotion
as we turn from our desire
for wealth
and all
that does not last
trusting not in money
or riches
but in God
who brings light
and truth
and love

To what do you offer yourself?
In what do you trust?

1Tm 4:12-16; Psalm 111:7-10; Luke 7: 36-50

at his feet
we see a way
a path
and put
our faith there
forgiven much
we love much
ever grateful
of the gift
given
and do not
neglect it
absorbed
in His word
we act on it
with God’s love for all

What is the gift you have been given?

1Tim 3:14-16; Psalm 111: 1-6; Luke 7:31-35

never satisfied
we judge
and complain
instead of giving thanks–
undeniably great
is the mystery
of devotion of
and to the living God
who creates
from nothing
and animates
with love
how great
the Glory
of the Holy Spirits presence
when our eyes
are opened
and our mind
is at peace

Do you give thanks?
To what are you devoted?

1Tim 3:1-13; Psalm 101:1-6; Luke 7:11-17

who would deem
a heart blameless
but God
the one who can look
upon the dead
with pity
and raise them up
questioning
all that we are
as we walk 
in His ways
our faithfulness
temperance
gentleness
generosity
dignity
decency
guiding our children
and each other
on the path of Life

Who is this God who demands so much good?

Memorial of Our Lady Of Sorrows
1 Tim3:1-13; Psalm 100:1-5; Luke 2:33-55

mother
of sorrows
we see you
at the cross
and enter
your anguish
as we see
the world’s sins
put upon him
contrite
of any
complicity
we turn
ourselves
over to
the love
we see
and enter
your “yes”
where our intention
meets God’s will
and divine love
is born

Where do you go with your sorrow?
Do you feel her presence in your grief?

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 78:1-38; Phil 2:6-11;John 3:13-17

this God
of love
coming down
with words
of life
for us
pouring himself
into our humanity
that our hearts
and minds
might be opened
his cross
a door
to a risen life
that we follow
though a mystery
we understand
through the language
of suffering
through the language
of compassion
through the language
of love

What do you find in the cross?
Do you find love there?

1Tim 1:15-17; Psalm 113:1-7; John 14:23

from the rising
of the sun
to its setting
we look
to the God
of love
and mercy
setting a firm foundation
that will not be shaken
planting deep roots
to bear good fruit
storing all God’s goodness
in our heart
to share
with those in need
praying
always
praising
always

What is your foundation?
Has it ever been shaken?