Feast of Saint John, the Evangelist

1John 1: 1-4; Psalm 97: 1-2, 5-6, 11-12; John 20: 1-8

no longer
entombed
the Word of Life
is made visible
seen and heard
touched
with our hands
we are
the ones
he loved
we rejoice
as the light
dawns upon
our hearts
giving
thanks
no longer
locked
in time
we enter
His eternal life

Do you experience yourself as the one he loves?
Do you love others with this love?

Feast of Saint Stephen

Acts: 8-10, 7: 54-59; Psalm 118: 26-27; Mt. 10: 17-22

accused
cast out
turned against
even put to death
by those
who cannot
bear wisdom
we will
endure
to the end
for filled
with the Holy Spirit
we see
a Glory
of Truth born to us
that saves us
with  mercy
and kindness
and into
His hands
we commend
our Spirit

Into whose hands do you commend your Spirit?
How will you endure?
How have you experienced his Glory?

Christmas Day

Isaiah 52: 7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1: 1-18

His feet
upon the mountains
we hear
His glad tidings
and a song is sung
to His saving power
from the living word
reflecting God’s glory
our sins our healed
in His dwelling
among us
His enduring love
heals our fragments
and varied ways
we unite
in Him
come into being
through Him
light
of our darkness
revealing
God to us
revealing
God with us
revealing
God in us
in His fullness
we all have a share
love following
upon love

Do you accept the gift of this day?
Do you hear His new song in you?
Do you feel His saving power?

Fourth Sunday of Advent

2Samuel 7:1-5, 8-11, 16; Ps 89: 2-5, 27, 29; Romans 16: 25-27; Luke 1:26-38

the Holy Spirit comes
through a woman
her faith
carries
new Life
in God’s
own way
beyond
the king
beyond
the throne
a womb
is chosen
to bear
the Truth
to hearts
that shall know
the Lord
and sing
of His goodness
and wisdom
forever
living
in his love
the mystery
that was hidden
is now revealed
we are overcome
with joy

Do you have the faith to say “yes”?
Are you overcome with joy?

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

Mal 3: 1-4, 23-24; Psalm 25: 4-5, 8-9, 10-14; Luke 1: 57-66

out of the silence
a God given name
is spoken
preparing the way
for one to come
who out of
impossibility
will bring us
all we need
to live
in love
and peace
in a world
gone wrong
repent
and turn
your heart
rejoice
for something
new is here

Have you turned your heart to God?
Are you ready for his Word in your life?
Do you rejoice?

Friday of the Third Week of Advent

1 Samuel 1: 24-28; 1 Samuel 2: 1-7; Luke 1: 46-56

praying
with Mary
my soul
proclaims
the greatness
of the lord
my spirit
rejoices
in God
my savior
into my lowliness
my hunger
my barrenness
and fear
his glory
appears
with new life
for me
for all
fed
renewed
not by any merit
of our own
or worthiness
but by gracious love
given freely
to one who
would receive
his mercy

Does your soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord?
Does your Spirit rejoice in God your savior?

 

Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

Jgs 13: 2-7, 24-25; Psalm 71: 3-6, 16-17; Luke 1: 5-25

ready
to hear
the angel
speak
even in
our old age
and barrenness
His Word
creates
bring a message
that is ever-new
leading us
out of the darkness
of unknowing
into the clarity
of His Light
we put our
hope and trust
in Him
and come out
of muteness
to sing His Glory!

Do you hear the angel speak?
What are you hearing?
How do you sing your praise?

Monday of the Third Week in Advent

Jeremiah 23: 5-8; Psalm 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1: 18-25

God with us
the Lord our Justice
His love
abundantly given
for us
the Holy Spirit
upon us
we hear the angels
and are not afraid
saved from
our sin
we no longer live
in the scarcity
of the land
but in
the generosity
glory
and goodness
of our God

Do you listen?
Do you hear?
Do you act?