Ezekiel 18:1-19,, 13B,30-32; Psalm 51:12-18; Matthew 19:13-15

our hearts
cleared
our Spirit
renewed
our joy
returns
and a willing
Spirit
sustains us
with the innocence
of a child
we return
to wonder
no longer
preying
upon one another
but living
in peace

Do you have a willing spirit?
Do you have the wonder and innocence of a child?
Has peace found you?

Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60-63; Psalm 12:2-6; Matthew 19:3-12

losing
the source
and ground
of our being
we forget
who we are
as we are fashioned
with our own pride
we become
blind
to others
breaking
sacred vows
forsaking
ourselves
yet still remembered
in God’s love
and mercy

Do you remember who you are?
How do you experience God’s presence?

The Assumption of Mary
Luke 11:27-28

seeking
our blessing
we find her
the one who listens
to God
with all of her heart
all of her soul
and all of her mind
offering
her body
to give birth
to love
one who knows
the way
guides our own “yes”
to the word of God
our soul
proclaims
the greatness of the Lord
with her

Do you know your part in God’s sacred story?
Who guides your “yes” to God?

Ezekiel 9:1-7,10,18-22; Psalm 113:1-6; Matthew 18:15-20

sickened
by retribution
vengeance
and slaughter
we turn away
seeking
a way
to forgiveness
and peace

reconciled
in the heart of Christ
we embrace
a new vision
that sets us free
binding on earth
the strength
of love
and peace
marked for heaven

Do you turn away from vengeance?
Do you embrace the way of love and peace?

Ez 2:8-3:4; Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103,111, 131; Matthew 18:1-14

know what it is
to be a child
lost in the wonder
of the world
always a beginning
as each thing
presents itself
to our senses
yet easily lost
in our wanderings
we seek guidance
from one who knows
the way
rejoicing
when we are found
by the one
who loves us
the most
believing
the promises
with child like faith
we open our hearts
with trust
knowing
instinctively
that there is no other way

Do you know what it is to be a child?
Do you trust the promises of the ones who love you?

Memorial of Saint Jane de Chantal

Proverb 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psalm 131: 2,3;
Mark 3:31-35

my soul
stilled
and quiet
I find my peace
in God
comforted
and held
in God’s word
all I do
flows from
this source of being
each step
upon the earth
in time
echoes the love
of heaven
seeing in each heart
a brother
a sister
a friend
that only the stilled soul
can see
beyond the chaos
beyond the strife
the weaver spins
in our soul

How do you find God’s peace?

Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34: 2-9; Ephesians 4:30-5:2,
John 6:41-51

suffering and
weary
reaching for death
we are fed
by the bread
of angels
strengthened
we walk to
God’s holy mountain
where we
taste and see
the goodness of the Lord-
hands outstretched
for our
bread of Life
manna of Jesus
we eat
nourished
we release
our bitterness
passion and anger
harsh words
and malice of every kind
we turn to kindness
compassion
forgiveness
and follow the way of love

Do you let yourself be fed by the angels?
Do you let yourself be fed by the bread of life?
Do you release yourself into love?

Feast of St. Lawrence
2Cor 9:6-10; Psalm 112:1-9; John 12:24-26

generously
we sow
the seed
given
dying
as a grain
of wheat
must die
to an old life
to be born again
into a new life
where the light
of God’s Glory
shines
and we follow
a way
we know
as Truth
that is built
on the steadfast heart
of His love

Do you sow your seed generously?

Na 2:1,3,3:1-3,6-7; Dt. 32:35-44; Mt 16:24-28
living
in an Old Testament world
of revenge
and war
we turn
and embrace
someone new
who invites us
to take up our cross
and follow
into a world
of peace
so far above
anything we have known
on earth
One who embraces
Truth
and Love
Forgiveness
and Compassion
learning
to carry our suffering
and find ourselves
in the Light of Heaven

What does it mean to carry your cross?
How do you carry your cross?
Where does it lead you?

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51: 12-19; Matthew 16:13-23

a new heart
created
renewed
and steadfast
with a willing Spirit
to guide
no longer subject
to cultural whim
but living
with God’s
love
compassion
and Truth
within

How do you hear God speak into your heart?