Solemnity of Saint Joseph
2Samuel 7: 4-16; Psalm 89: 2-5; 27 and 29; Matthew 1: 16-24

through her
the Holy Spirit
brought life
she followed

to Him
the Holy Spirit
brought life
he followed

through Him
the Holy Spirit
brings us life
we follow

How do you follow?

Dn 9:4b-10; Psalm 74:8-13; Luke 6:36-38

the measure
of our giving
returns
to us
overflowing
from a God
of abundance
giving all
even as we
see all
of our own transgressions
and sinfulness
we give them
as well
to a mercy
and kindness
that forgives
returning to us
an unfathomable
love

Do you give yourself completely?

Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18, Psalm 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14; Phel 3:17-4:1, Luke 9: 28-36

we walk
among
the severed pieces
seeing
who we are
without you
and set
our hearts
with courage
waiting
on You
bodies transformed
transfigured
we are
in your glory
no longer lost
in the God
of the belly
and shame
but found
the light
that shines through
the empty spaces of us
flaming torch
your face
is seen
your path
is shown
in the land
of the living
we are
as many
as the stars

Do you dwell in the land of the living?
Do you know the light of mountaintops?
Have you seen the transfigured Lord?

Dt 26:16-19; Psalm 119:1-8; Matthew 5:43-48

drawn in
by the Holy Spirit
we see
the living Presence
of law
and command
leaving all
we follow
a way
we barely understand
called
to love our enemy
knowing
it is not of
our own heart
but in the heart
and mind
of God

How can you love your enemy?
Do you hear it as a call from God?

Ez 18:21-28; Psalm 130:1-8; Matthew 5:20-26

what is our death
but to live
in our anger
to call
another fool
to harbor
grievance
against
another
bringing
our own judgment
creating
our own prison
we come to the altar
forgiving
and forgiven
no crimes
remembered
in the sphere
of kindness
that is our God
who gives life

What do you need to forgive?
What do you need forgiven?

Esther C:12, 14-16,23-25; Psalm 138:1-3,7-8; Matthew 7:7-12

we ask
and it is given
we seek
and find
we knock
and the door
is opened
to all
that we need
when we see
and know
that God
is all we need
and is given
freely
in love
for all

For what do you seek?
For what do you ask for?
On what door do you knock?

Jonah 3:1-10; Psalm 51:3-4,12013, 18-19; Luke 11:20-32

listening
to the prophet’s
warning
we change
our ways
with contrite heart
and contrite spirit
we are renewed
and led
by the Holy Spirit
needing
no sign-
for something
greater
is here
a Knowing
beyond knowing
in which we move
and have our being

Have you heard the prophet’s warning?
Where do you move and have your Being?

Isaiah 55:1-11; Psalm 34:4-7,16-19; Matthew 6: 7-15

His word goes out
like rain and snow
and will not return
to Him void
but with harvest
of His will
for Love
close to our broken hearts
and our distress
our prayers
are answered
and we are
radiant
with joy
as God’s kingdom comes
God’s will is done
and our daily bread
is received
all trespasses
forgiven
we are delivered
from evil
and live in peace

Have you received His word into your heart?

Lv 19:1=2, 11-18; Psalm 19:8-15; Matthew 25:31-46

words
of Spirit
and Life
God’s law
enlightens
our Love
unselfish concern
for another
we seek
to understand
and share
His goodness
in feeding
and sheltering
tending
and healing
welcoming
and visiting
resisting the temptation
to succumb
we know who we are
and share
the Good News
of God’s love

Does God’s word enlighten your Life?

Genesis. 9:8-15; Psalm 25:4-9; Pt 3:18-22; Mark 1:12-15

this is our time
a time fulfilled
as floods
of destruction
turn to waters
of baptism
we see you
have no wish
to destroy
but to save
God’s promise
in our hearts
we follow
to the desert
tempted
by worldly visions
of power
and wealth
and pleasure
we resist
and turn to
God’s ways
of love and truth
kindness
compassion
and goodness
sustained
by the Holy Spirit
we go out
with Good News

By what are you tempted?
How do you resist?