Memorial of Elizabeth Seton

1John 3:22-4:6; Psalm 2:7-8,10-12; Matthew 4:12-17, 23-25

He stands
before us
as Light
in our dark places
healing
teaching
proclaiming
a Gospel
of Love
here for All
who would hear
and see
their Oneness
in God
in Holy Spirit
undivided
we receive
whatever we ask for
in Love

Is God light in your darkness?
Do you receive whatever you ask for in Love?

Christmas Weekday

1John 2: 29-3:6; Psalm 98: 1-6; John 1: 29-34

a Holy Spirit
descends
upon the one
who will save
with love
showing us
a way
of knowing
we are
not separate-
living
in accord
with God’s goodness
we are freed
from the burden
of lawlessness
and sing
joyfully
as all
our hopes
are fulfilled
in the purity
of God’s love

Are your hopes fulfilled in God’s goodness and love?
For what purpose were you born?

Memorial of St Basil and St. Gregory Nazianzen

1John 2:22-28; Psalm 98:1-4; John 1:19-28

a voice
crying out
in the desert
knowing
who he is
preparing the way
for the one to come
as Truth
to a world
of deception
lies
suffering
and death
that we might see
who we are
and be saved
He comes
as teacher and friend
food and Spirit
advocate
of all that is Good
and Love
and Peace
He has anointed us
with His eternal Word

Do you know who you are?
How do you serve God’s love?

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, The Octave Day of Christmas

Numbers 6:22-27; Ps 67: 2-3,5-8; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

her heart
listens
her heart
reflects
treasuring
the gift
of her womb
a child
who knows God
as his father
who blesses
and keeps us
shines
his face
upon us
with grace
and kindness
mercy
and peace
we know
our salvation
our guide
has come
our hearts
rejoice
with her

Do you treasure all these things and listen to them in your heart?
Do you feel his face shine upon you?
Do you receive his blessing?

Feast of the Holy Family

Prayer for the Holy Family
Colossians 3:12-21

“Put on heartfelt compassion,
kindness,
humility,
gentleness,
and patience,
bearing with one another
and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance
against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you,
so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,

And let the peace of Christ
control your hearts,
the peace into which you
were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you
as in all wisdom…
singing psalms,
hymns,
and spiritual songs
with gratitude
in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do,
in word or in deed,
do everything
in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God…”

Does the peace of Christ control your heart?

Feast of the Holy Innocents

1John 1:5-2:2; Psalm 124:2-8; Matthew 2:13-18

a voice
rising
a woman
weeping
for her children
caught
in the violence
of another’s heart
she suffers
for us all
despairing
in destruction
we wait
for light
for rescue
for love and peace
to find 
its home

in the world

Do you hear the cry of the woman weeping?
How does God’s love and light respond?

Feast of Saint Stephen

Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59; Psalm 31: 3-8,16-17; Matthew 10:17-22

Holy Spirit
guide
of our every step
your face
shines upon us
a Light
to show the way
even when it feels
no one
can be trusted
we take refuge
in you
commending
our Spirit
into your hands
we see
your Glory
in our giving
enduring
to the end
in your saving Grace

To whom do you entrust your Spirit?