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?

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 does God ask of you?

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
and love for all

Where is your narrow gate?

2Kings 17:5-8,13-18; Psalm 60:3-5, 12-13; Hebrew 4:12; Matthew 7:1-5

what is this
living word of God
effective 
and able to discern
reflections
and thoughts
of the heart
cautioning
our judgements
that divide us
from one another
blinding us to
our own faults
calling us
to wisdom
as we pause
and see ourselves
in God’s mercy
and grace

Who guides your judgements of yourself and others?
How do you receive clarity and wisdom?

Jeremiah 20: 10-13; Ps 69 8-10, 14, 17, 33-35; Rom 5: 12-15; Mt. 10:26-33

do not be afraid
as the light
will reveal
itself
from darkness
Truth of Christ
of love
of life
from the God who probes
the mind
and heart
sees
and rescues us
answering
our prayers
the prayers
of the poor
with mercy
and love

Jesus says do not be afraid. What are you afraid of?
How do you speak of His truth without fear?

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?

2Kings 2:1,6-14; Psalm 31:20,21,24; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

we go
to the inner room
of our heart
and shut the door
and pray
to the one
who knows us
and sees
all of our needs
no longer
trying to impress
or perform
we give
and receive
through His love
and mercy
and grace
true source
of our being
our hearts
take comfort
in God’s constant presence
and loving care

What do you hear in your inner room?
Do you experience God’s constant presence and loving care?