Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 71: 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?

Romans 10:9-18; Psalms 19:8-11; Matthew 4:18-22

seeking Truth
we hear a name
calling us
with words
and Spirit
that are
refreshing
and pure
trustworthy
and right
precious and
enduring
how beautiful
are the ones
who bring
Good News
of God’s love
we drop all
and follow
what our heart
believes in…
Jesus

Do you hear that voice of love that goes out to the ends of the earth?

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

signs in 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

Do you pray constantly for strength?
Will you know Him when he comes?
Do you know Him with you now?

Daniel 7:15-27; Daniel 3:82-87; Luke 21:34-36

He comes
with strength
for those who suffer
under the world’s tribulations
lost in anxiety
and terror
He bring us
a path to Life
a path to Love
a path to Peace
we drop our cares
and follow
spreading
the good news
of salvation
we hold fast
as the world around us
says “no”
we say “yes”
to Him

Is your heart open to the peace of Christ?
Have you been touched by the mystery of the Cross?

Daniel 7:2-14; Daniel 3:75-81; Luke 21:29

terrors come
and terrors go
countries come
and countries go
yet the Son of Man
coming in Glory
and Love
shall not pass away
Spirit of the living God
blessed by
mountains and hills
the growing earth
and springs
the seas and river
dolphins and water creatures
birds of the air
beasts wild and tame
shall renew us
as buds burst open
in early spring
in ways beyond our imagining
we live
in this peace
and hope

Do you live in the peace and hope of Christ?

Sirach 50:22-24

And now, bless the God of all,
who had done wondrous things on earth
Who foster our growth
from their mother’s womb
and fashions us according
to will (for love)
May God grant us joy of heart
and peace abide among us
May God’s goodness toward us endure…
to deliver us in our days

Daniel 2:31-4; Daniel 3: 57-61; Luke 21:5-11

wars
and insurrections
earthquakes
and famine
kingdom
against kingdom
do not be deceived
do not be afraid
for many will come
and say “I am he”
do not follow….

how will we know
what voice amid the chaos
will bring us Truth?

follow only
the voice of love

How will you hear the voice of love?

Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93:1-5; Rev 1: 5-8; John 18:33-37

He came
as a king
not of this world
but as an authority
of some
pre-existent
Truth
that we might see
that we might hear
beyond our earthly visions
of power
and want
and greed
to a love
made for all
and a peace
the world
cannot give
born from heaven
first born
from the dead
our hearts see
His Truth
and glory
and are set free

Do you experience His kingdom within you?
Do you experience the peace the world cannot give?

1Mc 6:1-13; Psalm 9:2-6, 16,19; Luke 20: 27-40

from our grief
we cry out
and are touched
and saved
by a Love
greater
than our imaginings
a Love
that makes us
worthy
in the God
of the living
we give thanks
we give praise
we sing
a song of joy

What makes you worthy?

1Mc 2:15-29; Psalm 50:1-2, 5-7, 14-15; Luke 19:41-44

Jesus
you weep
over a city
that will not see
its way
to peace
not recognizing
the time
of its visitation
it is lost
to war
and terror
and strife
blind
to the Beauty
that guides
day and night
death
is chosen
over life
and you weep

we weep with you