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?

Matthew 8:1-4

reaching out
our hand
to the one
who invites us
into a love
of healing
and grace
we find ourselves
cleansed
and renewed
from all that keeps us
away from faith
in the holy presence
that surrounds us
even in these trying times
we are buoyed
by God’s great love

How are you sustained in these trying times?
Where do you find Truth?

Matthew 7: 21-24

not in
words
of prophecy
not in
driving out
demons
not in
mighty deeds
alone
do we enter
God’s kingdom
but by hearing
God’s will
God’s love
for all
and acting on it
building
a house
on this rock
not shifting sands
so when the storms come
we stand secure
in solidarity
with God

How do you hear God’s will and act on it?

2Kings 22:8-13; Psalm 119:3-40; Matthew 7:15-20

we see
the false prophets
alive in our age
spreading lies
and rumors
in greed
for power
what law
what covenant
will turn
their minds
and hearts
to goodness
and Truth
to save
the nations

What fruit bears the evidence of Truth?
Where do you seek Truth?

Matthew 7:6,12-14

where is
the narrow gate
constricted road
that leads
to life
some cross
that calls us
through
its mysterious way
some mystical
birth canal
where we are
nourished
in God’s womb
then expelled
into the Light
of Knowing
spiritual senses
ignited
we live
in Heaven’s realm
of Love
tasting
and seeing
God’s Goodness
of All

Where is your narrow gate?

Solemnity of John the Baptist
Luke 1:57-66,80

formed
in our mother’s womb
we know
who we are
as we are called
into the light
and named
by the one who loves us
we embrace
the journey
of our lives
with all of its mystery
joys and sorrows
being lead
through our questions
that are answered
through God’s love

What are your questions?
Who answers?
What has God asked of you?

Job 38:1. 8-11; Ps 107: 23-31; Cor 5: 14-17; Mark 4: 35-41

awakening
a new
creation
in me
He calms
the raging storms
that fill
my heart
with fear
and darkness–
I see
His works
and wonders
in the abyss
and stand
in wonder
and awe
of the power
and mystery
that is
beyond me
giving thanks
for His
everlasting
love

Do you experience the power of this mystery?
Do you experience the power of this faith?
Has he calmed the raging sea in your heart?

2Chr 24:17-26; Psalm 89:4-34; Matthew 6:24-34

serving idols
we lose our way
given over
to worry
of what we are
to eat
and drink
and wear
lost in tomorrow
we have forgotten
who we are today
in this kingdom of God
made for love
and kindness
sharing
and giving
we have become
hoarders
and possessed
by what we own
divided by our thoughts
and ideologies
as we seek power
not seeing what unites us
only what divides
until He comes
to remind us who we are
and opens our minds
to another way
where all is forgiven
and a new path
to love begins

What are the idols in your life?
What opens up God’s love in your life?
What is the kingdom of God

Matthew 6: 19-23

heaven
among us
we seek
our treasure there
not in things
where moth
and decay
destroy
or thieves
steal
but in love
and joy
and peace
eternal
patience
kindness
generosity
and compassion
the fruits
of heaven
given
freely
to all

Where does your treasure lie?
Do you find your treasure in the Light of Christ?

Sirach 48:1-14; Psalm 97:1-7; Matthew 6:7-15

words
of fire
come
that illuminate
the mind
and hearts
of those who hear
we pray
to our God
for the kingdom
of heaven
to come to us
to receive
our daily bread
to forgive all
as we are forgiven
to be delivered from evil
and let peace
settle
in our hearts
and upon the earth

What words of fire come to you?
What is your daily bread?
How do you give and receive forgiveness?