Genesis 23:1-4; 19; 24:1-8, 62-67; Psalm 106 1-5; Matthew 9:9-13

the desire
of mercy calls
not sacrifice
as we follow a way
out of the chaos
of our minds
into the healing space
of Spirit
a holy offering
of peace
to hearts wrangled
with division
asking only
for a pause in our ways
to experience
the embrace of breath
as our creator’s love

from the beginning
to our end
we live
in the mystery
of another
who guides
our way
when we open
our eyes
our ears
our minds
and our hearts

Have you paused to experience the mystery of your breath?
Who owns your breath?
Is it love?

Feast of St. Thomas, Apostle
Ephesians 2:19-22; Psalm 117:1,2; John 20:24-29

greater than
my need
to touch
and see
my faith
lives beyond
our concepts
and concrete notions
in a a realm
that calls for
a complete surrender
into the mystery of God
allowing the Truth
of Christ’s completeness
to enter
revealing
the dwelling place
of God
in the Holy Spirit
who guides my life

What are your doubts?
How are you reassured?
How are you blessed?

Genesis 21:8-20; Psalm 34:7-13; Matthew 8:28-34

cast out
into deserts
left to wander
and weep
the Lord hears
our prayers

as demons cry out
to the one
who knows them
looking
for a way out
the Lord hears
our prayer

providing for our needs
through the well
beneath our grief
we are freed
to live our life
without distress
in the arms
of angels
to guide us
to the love
we most desire

seeking God
we learn that we have
all we need
and live in God’s desire
for our Good
and the Good of all

Have you been set free?
How does God provide for all of your needs?
How do you share God’s love?

Matthew 8:23-27

living in the fear
of our storms
He awakens in us
to quell our fears
with a calmness
that sweeps over
our life
searching our heart
and soul
nothing is left untouched
brought to light
we lose our self reference
and see all in Him
God and Spirit
our guide
we live
in the spaciousness
of grace and mercy
where all is forgiven
and Heaven
rushes in

Do you allow God’s calming of the storms in your life?
How does the Holy Spirit work in your life?

Genesis 18:16-33; Psalm 103:1-11; Mt 8:18-22

when the world
turns away
from mercy
and the cries
of the poor
are not heard
we turn
to the voice of heaven
when power
finds its meaning in money
and war
as the answer
we turn to heaven’s voice
where the Holy Spirit
listens and hears
our Holy pleading
teaching us to speak
as Abraham did
as Jesus did
interceding with hope
for goodness
sustaining us
with compassion
calling us to follow
without guarantees
without shelter
without delay
with only Presence
with only trust
that things will change

Do you hear the voice of heaven?
Do you follow the voice of mercy?
Do you trust in God’s goodness?

Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 19:2-5; Gal 1:11-20; John 21:15-19

Sitting
at the beautiful gate
He comes
healer of mind
and soul
and heart
lifting us
from all our infirmities
dread and despair
the world lays upon us
bringing us
to knew life

A message poured out
the word of day
night of knowledge
to all the earth
not of human knowledge
but the Holy Spirit of God
calling us through grace
to speak the Good News
of love only
God’s love for all

Haunting words of aging
stretching out our hands
where someone else
will dress us
and lead us where we
do not want to go

What is this place
beyond the beautiful gate you call us
even as we fear it
we trust the path you lead
having known us even from our mother’s womb

Does He meet you at the beautiful gate?
When He asks if you love him what do you say?
What do you do?

Genesis 18:1-15; Luke 1:46-55; Matthew 8:5-17

our spirit
rejoices
as our soul
proclaims
the greatness
of the Lord
God our savior
letting go
of all that burdens
and imprisons us
as our faith
in His healing love
restores us
we arise
and tend
to a world
in need
with joy

Does your soul proclaim the goodness of the Lord?
Does your Spirit rejoice in God your Savior?

Ez 34:11-16; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11; Luke 15:3-7

lost
we are found
strayed
we are brought back
sick
we are healed
the love
we long for
is poured out
into our hearts
from the Holy Spirit
of God
bringing kindness
and goodness
to us
and all others
we live
and rejoice
in God’s mercy
and love

Do you experience God’s love pouring into your heart?
Do you see and love others with God’s love?

Genesis 16: 1-16; Psalm 106: 1-5; Matthew 7: 21-24

not in
words
of prophecy
not in
driving out
demons
not in
mighty deeds
alone
do we enter
his kingdom
but by
hearing
God’s will
God’s love
for all
and
acting
on it
building
a house
on this rock
not shifting sands
so when the storms come
we stand secure
in solidarity
with God

On what do you build your foundation?
How do you hear God’s will and act on it?

Genesis 15:1-18; Psalm 105:1-9; Matthew 7:15-20

aligned
with God’s grace
we bear
the fruit
of God’s Goodness
wary
of false prophets
wolves
in sheep’s clothing
we keep
our eyes fixed
on the one
who keeps
His covenant
and shows us
the way
through our anxiety
to the peaceful way
of Truth

How does God show you the way through your anxiety?
What is your daily bread?
How do you bear God’s fruit?