Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
Genesis 3:9-15, 20; Psalm 98: 1-4; Eph 1: 3-6,11-12; Luke 1: 26-28

Mary
Holy Spirit
upon you–
you trusted
as though through
the eyes
of one
without sin
without separation
from God
and conceived
within your being
a Son
who would bring
light
to our eyes
and to the world…
with a song
upon our lips
we see
and rejoice

Do you say “yes” to the Spirit?
What do you say “yes” to?
What Light is born through you?

Isaiah 26:1-6; Psalm 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27; Matthew 7:21,24-27

hearing God’s word
and acting on it
we build
a solid foundation
of God’s love
our house
stands firm
even as storms come
and winds blow
for God’s peace
dwells here
in the secure trust
of His Being
with us
a refuge
and home
of God’s pure light
that shines
for all

Where have you built your foundation?
Do you dwell secure in God’s peace?

Isaiah 25: 6-10; Psalm 23: 1-6; Matthew 15: 29-37

we dream of
a banquet
before us
our Spirit
restored
we see
the love of the God
and feel God’s saving power
there is nothing more
we shall want
as goodness
and kindness
pursue us
and feed us
the blind see
the lame walk
the deaf hear
death is destroyed
every tear
wiped away
we rejoice
and praise
as we put our hope
in Him

How do you experience God’s love?
How do you experience God’s saving power?
How do you rejoice?

A Prayer to See and Hear and Rejoice
Readings Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 7: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Luke 10: 21-24

spirit resting
upon us
a child
to guide us
we see
we hear
what prophets
longed for
His love for all
a justice
that flourishes
into a time
of peace
spirit of wisdom
and understanding
spirit of counsel
and strength
we are in awe
as wolf and lamb
lion and calf
lie together
and no ruin comes
the cries
of the poor
are heard
as a shoot sprouts
from the stump of Jesse
a bud
a blossom
we rejoice!

Do you see?
Do you hear?
Do you rejoice?

A Prayer for Healing and Peace
Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122: 1-9; Mt 8: 5-11

instructed
in His ways
walking
His path
we beat our swords
into plowshares
our spears
into pruning hooks
we walk
in His light
no longer
training for war
no longer
raising our sword
we go rejoicing
to the house
of the lord
a house
of peace
feeling unworthy
He brings
worthiness
and healing
by our faith
in His word

Do you have faith in His word?
Do you walk in His light?
Have you put down your sword?

Isaiah 63: 16-17, 19, 64: 2-7; Ps. 80: 2-3, 15-19; 1 Cor 3-9; Mark: 33-37
stay awake
be prepared
for the one
we have longed for
is coming
He shall turn
His face to us
and we shall be as clay
in the potter’s hands
no longer
wanderers
with hardened hearts
we shall hear
what no ear
has ever heard
what no eye
has ever seen
God will
strengthen us
and give us new life
so that we will
no longer be carried
on the winds of guilt
but always
mindful
of God’s ways
we shall watch
we shall be awake
for His coming

Are you awake?
Are you on guard?
Are you prepared for His coming?

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 God
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?

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

called to follow
Jesus
we enter
the mystery of God
revealed
through His words
revealed
through the Holy Spirit
giving us Life
enlightening our eyes
and refreshing our souls
as we trust
in the abundant Love
He offers
our hearts
and souls rejoice
in His ways

Do you answer His call to follow?
Do you share the beauty of God’s love?

Daniel 5:1-17; Daniel 3:62-67; Luke 21:12-10

letting go
of all that possesses us
we do not fear
and persevere
in our given faith
enduring to the end
as all that is true
blesses God
sun and moon
stars of heaven
every shower and dew
all the winds
fire and heat
cold and chill
give glory
and praise
to God

How do you give glory and praise to God?
How do you count your blessings?