2John 4-9; Psalm 119: 1-18; Luke 17:36-37

taken up
we see
a love
that heals
the great divide
one in Christ
who needs
no name
living among us
within us
all worldly powers
and enemies
disappear
in the silence
of God’s knowing
moving quietly
tending
nurturing
and giving hope
and courage
in times of distress
and fear

Where do you find hope and courage?

Philemon 7-20; Psalm 146: 7-10; Luke 17:20-25

the kingdom
of God
among us
feeding
freeing
restoring sight
bringing justice
to every
open heart
asking
the impossible
of our humanity
in its call
for forgiveness
mercy
and compassion
possible
as we are absorbed
into goodness
and love

Do you accept the invitation to be absorbed into goodness and love?

Titus 2:1-8; 11-14; Psalm 37:3-4,18 and 23, 27 and 29; Luke 17:7-10

obliged
by the goodness
and love
we serve
wisdom
the gift of age
encouraging
others
to see
the spiritual gifts
around us
embracing
dignity
hope
faith
and temperance
living
in the simplicity
and joy
of knowing
who we are

Do you live in the simplicity of knowing who you are?

Titus 1:1-19; Psalm 24:1-6; Luke 17:1-6

desire not
what is vain
but  the Holy Spirit
above all
who brings Life
and informs
all our days
mustard seed
of faith
within
will move a mountain
and open our hearts
to the living God
who holds all
goodness
compassion
forgiveness
and love
for us

Do you open the door that allows the Holy Spirit to come in?

1Kings 17:10-16; Psalm 146:7-10; Mark 12:41-44

giving bread
we are fed
from the jug
that is never
empty

filled
by the poor
who always know
their need

seeing
the life
that has been given
we are no longer
blind

being seen
we are no longer
strangers

seeing
the Father
we are no longer
orphans

seeing
God’s love for all
we are no longer widows
and see justice

with all our heart
with all of our mind
with all of our soul
we praise

How much do you give?

Phil 4:10-19; Psalm 112:1-9; Luke 16:9-15

in need
and abundance
in hunger
and well fed
we know
how to live
and find
our way
to what empowers
with steadfast heart
in God’s love
we do not fear
and give
where there is need
not succumbing
to mammon’s power
but using wealth
for good
even in little things
we find reward
as we build trust
in God’s care
and compassion

Do you know how to live in need and abundance?

Ezekial 47:1-12; Psalm 46:2-9; 1Cor 3:9-17; John 2:13-22

though
the earth
be shaken
God is our refuge
and strength
in this time
of distress
temple of God
Spirit dwelling
within
will show us
the way to go
wiping away
all desecration
we will see
with purity of heart
God in our midst
shall not be disturbed
and will help us
at the break of dawn

Where is your refuge and strength?
Which way will you turn?

Phil 3:3-8; Psalm 105: 2-7; Luke 15:1-10

welcoming
sinners
we eat with Him
remembering
who we are
recalling
wondrous deeds
rejoicing
at being found
and having our hearts
set aright
no longer
lost in law
lineage
and self-righteousness
we live
in the freedom
of Spirit
in Truth
and Love

Where do you find freedom?

Phil 2:12-18; Psalm 27:1,4,13-14; Luke 14:25-33

taking leave
of our possessions
and all
that possesses us
we enter
the light
of salvation
freed
to see
who we are
in a new way
letting go
of fear
the dwelling place of God
reveals itself
a great fire
of love
among us
working
always for our good

Do you freely give up all that possesses you?

Phil 2:5-11; Psalm 22:26-32; Luke 14:15-24

emptied
and humbled
not grasping
at God
in greedy
selfish ways
we open
our hearts
to God’s invitation
with gratitude
for what is being offered
a place
at the table
where we share
in a love
and peace
and joy
beyond the imaginings
of a divided world

Can you imagine the love and peace being offered by God?
Do you accept God’s invitation?