Isaiah 40: 1-11; Psalm 96: 1-3, 10-13; Mt 18: 12-14

lost
we are found
by the one
who would leave all
to find us
embraced
we are lead
to see
the glory
of God
all else
fades
as wilting
grass
and flower
his word
resounds
and glorifies
leveling all
with the justice
of his love
and tenderness
we rejoice
we sing
we tell
His good news

Have you seen the glory of the Lord?
Do you sing of God’s glory?
Do you rejoice?

Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 85:0-14; Luke 5:17-26

looking into our hearts
He sees our fear
and doubt
and enters
the place of
our faith
that seeks
God’s presence
in a moment
of encounter
we awaken
to the healing power
of God’s love
we see
we hear
and rise up
rejoicing
becoming
who we were meant to be
in God’s love
saying to hearts
that are frightened
fear not
be strong
our God is here

Does He speak to your fear and doubt?
Do you experience His healing Presence?

Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126: 1-6; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

we take off your robe
of mourning
and misery
for winding ways
are made straight
as the love
of God abounds-
the harvest
of justice
is ripened in Christ
who comes to us
in peace…

remembered by God
we are filled
with laughter
and joy
as the love
that was sown
in tears
reaps rejoicing
in the light
of His glory come

Can you let go of your mourning and misery?
Do you remember God as God remembers you?
How do you experience the light of His glory?

Genesis 3:9-15,20; Psalm 98:1-4; Ephesians 1:3-6,11-12; Luke 1:26-38

an angel
a messenger
a grace
appears
with an invitation
to leave
fear
and accept
new Life
within
a life
a pure heart
can see
answering yes
from a deep place
of knowing
that in God’s pure Light
and Love
we are saved

Do you say “yes” to God’s invitation?

Isaiah 29:17-24; Psalm 27: 1,4,13-14; Matthew 9:27-31

waiting
for the dawn
believing
in Him
our eyes
are opened
to a Light
of Love
that saves
gazing
on loveliness
we see
God’s bounty
in the land
of the Living
and are in awe
given
courage
and patience
our fear
dissipates
and we become
the day

What do you see at the dawning of the day?

Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27; Matthew 7:21,24-27

hearing God’s word
and acting on it
we build
a solid foundation
of God’s love
our house
stands firm
even as storms come
and winds blow
for God’s peace
dwells here
in the secure trust
of His Being
with us
a refuge
and home
of God’s pure light
that shines
for all

Where have you built your foundation?
Do you dwell secure in God’s peace?

Isaiah 25: 6-10; Psalm 23: 1-6; Matthew 15: 29-37

a banquet
before us
our Spirit
restored
we see
the love
of God
and feel
God’s saving power
there is nothing more
we shall want
as goodness
and kindness
pursue us
and feed us
the blind see
the lame walk
the deaf hear
death is destroyed
every tear
wiped away
we rejoice
and praise
as we put our hope
in Him

Do you experience his saving power?
Do you rejoice?

Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8,12-13,17 ; Luke 10:21-24

knowing
the poverty
of our breath
we are rescued
by the love
of the One
who breathes us
each breath
a reminder
that we are not alone
but a part
of the wonder
of creation
Holy Spirit
to guide us
we are filled
with profound peace
a Spirit of Wisdom
and Understanding
a Spirit of Counsel
and of Strength
a Spirit of Knowledge
and fear of the Lord
that comes
from knowing Him

How do you experience “fear of the Lord”?
How do you experience God’s love?
How do you experience God’s peace?

Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, Priest
Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122: 1-9; Mt 8: 5-11

instructed
in His ways
walking
His path
we beat our swords
into plowshares
our spears
into pruning hooks
we walk
in His light
no longer
training for war
no longer
raising our sword
we go rejoicing
to the house
of the lord
a house
of peace
feeling unworthy
He brings
worthiness
and healing
by our faith
in His word

Do you have faith in His word?
Do you walk in His light?
Have you put down your sword?

Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

signs in the sun
and moon
and stars appear
we wait in anguish-
distraught
at the roaring seas
the heavens shake
we die in fright
at what is coming
upon the earth—
then hope remembered
a promise fulfilled
a shoot raised up
this Son of Man will come
we know not when
only that
each heart will
know Truth-
His overflowing love
will strengthen
our weakness
and our soul shall be lifted
to paths of kindness and justice
goodness and compassion
freed from over indulgence
and worldly care
we will embrace
love’s longing of our heart
and dwell secure

Will you know Him when he comes?
Do you know Him with you now?