Thursday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Col 3:12-17

Brothers and sisters:
Put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another…
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one Body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Do you let the peace of Christ control your heart?
Do you love your enemies?

Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

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

Do you know your need for God?
Have you experienced God’s compassion?

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wisdom 9:13-18; Psalm 90: 3-6; 12-17′ Phil 9-10, 12-17; Luke 14: 25-33

what are these words of hate
you call us to
you the one we trust
to bring God’s love
what turning
are we to take
in this command
to put you above all
and carry our own cross
to count this cost
or be excluded
challenging
so many of our thoughts
and beliefs
about our lives
and love
possessed by the world
we cannot begin to see
what lies beyond
possession


then struck by
God’s greater wisdom
and love
we are
set free
no longer possessed
by our possessions
that mean
nothing
without God’s Truth
and love-
arising
at dawn
anew
daybreak fills us
with His kindness
our burdens
are lifted
we dare to shout
for joy
and gladness
all the days of our life

Is your mind weighed down with earthly concerns?
Are you possessed by your possessions?
What brings you freedom?

Thursday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Luke 5:1-11

seeking mercy
we cast our nets
into deep waters
hoping to see
God’s goodness
and love
ready to leave
everything
to follow
and be strengthened
with patience
endurance
and joy
longing to share
the good news
of God’s will
God’s love of all
and be delivered
from the darkness

that surrounds us
no longer
afraid

Have you cast your net into the deep waters?
Are you ready to leave everything to follow?