Acts 5: 17-26; Psalm 34: 2-9; John 3: 16-21

though imprisoned
by the jealousy
of others
who thought
they knew
God frees them
ever responding
to the needs
that cry out…

for those who hear
for those who see
a light has shone
in their darkness
and they are
radiant with joy

Do you hear?
Do you see?
Are you radiant with joy?

Acts: 4: 32-37; Psalm 93: 1-5; John 3: 7-15

what is it
to be born
from above
of Spirit
as a wind
that blows
where it will
we hear its sound
we feel its effects
yet from where
does it come?
what are
these heavenly thing
you will
for us
one mind
one heart
no claim of possessions
as our own
there are no needy
among us
as all is shared
and distributed
according to need
from love

What is this love that demands so much good?

Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Isaiah 7: 10-14, 8:10; Psalm 40: 7-11; Hebrews 10: 4-10; Luke: 1: 26-38

Holy Spirit
your will
for love
and justice
finding
its form
within
a willing
womb
allowing
the birth of
God with us
to grow
within
our hearts
and minds
and being
the light
of your love
is the only
sign
we need

What form does the Holy Spirit take in your life?

Solemnity of Peter and Paul
Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34:2-9; 2Tim 4:6-8,17-18; Matthew 16:13

in prayer
we see Him
as He is
the Christ
our light
transforming all
into God’s vision
we look to Him
that we may be
radiant
with joy
and feel
God’s constant
presence
that surrounds us
guiding us
and protecting us

Do you experience the joy of God’s presence?
How does it change you?

Acts 4: 1-12; Psalm 118: 1-27; John 21: 1-14

again
and again
you come to us
showing yourself
alive
in our lives
some mercy
some healing
some forgiveness
that speaks
of your Presence
that lives
beyond
your cross
beyond your death
a grace
that announces
aha!
yes!
this is the Christ
with us
God with us
Holy Spirit with us
this is the love
upon which we build
our lives

On what do you build your life?

Acts 3: 11-26; Psalm 8: 2-9; Luke 24: 35-48

troubled
questioning
and amazed
“he said
to them,
thus it is
written
that the Christ
would suffer
and rise
from the dead
on the third day
and that
repentance
for the forgiveness
of sins
would be preached
in his name
to all nations
beginning
from Jerusalem.
you are witnesses
of these things….”

Why are you troubled?
Why do you have questions in your hearts?
Why are you amazed?

Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-9; Luke 24:13-35

rejoice O hearts
that seek God’s love
for love is here
among us
joined in an Emmaeus walk
his story is told
and our eyes are opened
by the breaking of the bread
our sin
and suffering
and death
disappear
in the joy
of his light and love
and hearts
once full of fear
are full of the courage
to believe

Do you see His love in the breakin gof the bread?
Do you have the courage to believe?

Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33:4-5,18-19,20,22;John 20:11-18

cut to the heart
by His words
we repent
and enter
the streaming waters
of baptism
renewed
by the power
of the Holy Spirit
who saves
from corruption
we see the goodness
of the Lord
that fills the earth
eyes opened
our weeping ceases
and He is there
calling our name

Do you hear God calling  your name?

Acts 2: 14-33; Psalm 16: 1-11; Matthew 28: 8-15

an empty tomb
death to life
we let go
of our fear
and live
in the Holy Spirit
taking counsel
from this
presence
freed from
the bondage
of sin
and suffering
and death
we rejoice
and go forth
and live
this good news

How do you experience this good news?

AT THE TOMB

you are the one he loved
at the empty tomb
shroud fallen
your heart awakened by belief
for love has risen
beyond this time
beyond this place
stone rolled away
his freedom soars
from boundaries
and we begin anew
love reborn
into eternal moments
He is known
He is seen
everywhere
each heart His own
His heart our own
the empty tomb answers all
for what God has given
cannot be put to death
you are the one he loves
and death is no more