Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

let the one
with two coats
give to the one
who has none
the one with food
should do the same
see how unselfish
we are gathered in
and renewed
in His love
that is near
standing guard
over our hearts
over our minds
we are filled
with strength
and courage
confident and unafraid
our joy complete
God’s own peace
beyond our understanding
but not beyond
our love

Where is your second coat?
Have you dismissed all anxieties from your mind?
Have you felt the unquenchable fire of God’s love?

Sirach 48: 1-4; 9-11; Psalm 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Matthew 17: 9-13

unknowing
unseeing
we live
in fear
destroying
that which
would save us-
Lord
help us turn
to you
let us see
your face
and know
your care
and protection
as you bring
new life to us
so that we might
turn with you
from our wrath
to love
and rest
in your friendship
and peace

Do you recognize Him?
Can you turn from your violence?
Have you turned your heart to God?

Isaiah 48:17-19; Psalm 1:1-6; Matthew 11:16-19

like a tree
planted
by running water
we are nourished
by the flow
of God’s grace
living law
guiding
the way
to wisdom
we stretch
and grow
and breathe
into God’s presence
sending down
deep roots
yielding fruit
in accord
with God’s nature
of loving kindness
rejoicing in God’s presence

Are your roots planted deeply into God’s love?
Do you stretch and grow and breathe into God’s Presence?
Do you rejoice?

Isaiah 41: 13-26; Psalm 145: 1 and 9, 10-11,12-13; Mt 11: 11-15

in the flourishing of earth
we will see Him
redeemer
the one who says
“fear not
I will help you”
the waters will flow
and the desert
will flower
we will see
and understand
that Elijah has come
no longer subject
to the violence of men
we live
under the power of love
and faithfulness
we know
our true God
through his Son
and the Holy Spirit
remaining
in God’s goodness
and compassion
for all

Do you hear the prophets?
How do you know your true God?
Do you experience the abundance of God’s love and mercy?

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Zec 2:14-17; JDT 13: 18, 19; Lk 1: 26-38

the messenger
appears
“I have come to
dwell among you”
greatly troubled
pondering
we hear
“do not be afraid”
for God
has found favor
with you
Holy Spirit
upon you
a son
conceived within
a light to you
and all
the nations
bringing peace
and love to all
that dare to hear

Sing and rejoice!!!

Do you experience the message as your own?

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?