Memorial of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary
Zec 2:14-17; Luke 1:46-55; Mt 12:46-50

In silence
before the Presence
of the Lord
we come to know
who we are
and proclaim
the greatness of the Lord
one family
living under the power
of God’s will to love
we birth mercy
and Justice
to the world

What do you hear in the silence before God’s presence?
Do you see Justice as God’s love for all?

1Mc1:10-15,41-43,54-57, 62-63; Psalm 119:53,61,134,150,155,158; Luke 18:35-43

Jesus, you say
“What do you want me to do for you?”

I say
teach me
the love
you have–
that extends
even to enemies
a love
that feels
so impossible
in a world
filled
with terror–
and that
I may see
with your eyes
of Wisdom
that cuts though
all deception
to Truth

What do you want me to do for you?

Proverbs 31: 10-13, 19-20, 30-31; Psalm 128; 1 Thess 5:1-6; Mt 25: 14-30

people
of Light
we turn
from darkness
awake
to God’s
power
in our life
the work
of our hands
God’s love
reaching out
to the poor
the needy
to all
we give
generously
not hiding
our gifts
but sharing
with joy

Do you share your gifts generously?
Do you live in the light?

Wisdom 18:14-19; 19:6-9; Psalm 105: 2-3, 36=37; 42=43; Luke: 18:1-8

rejoice
O hearts
that seek
the Lord
that your prayers
are heard
and that
saving grace
has come
despite
any violence
you may know
God’s peace
and love
lives among us
by our desire
for it

Is your heart’s desire God’s love and peace?

Wisdom 13:1-9; Psalm 19:2-5; Luke 17:26-37

lost
in the created
rather
than the creator
we go
from thing
to thing
unsatisfied
until
we are touched
by the author
the one
of truest love
we follow
never turning back
eyes always
fixed
proclaiming
the Glory of God

Are you lost?
Where will you be found?

1 WIS 7:22B–8:1

“In Wisdom is a spirit
intelligent, holy, unique,
Manifold, subtle, agile,
clear, unstained, certain,
Not baneful, loving the good, keen,
unhampered, beneficent, kindly,
Firm, secure, tranquil,
all-powerful, all-seeing,
And pervading all spirits,
though they be intelligent, pure and very subtle.
For Wisdom is mobile beyond all motion,
and she penetrates and pervades all things by reason of her purity.
For she is an aura of the might of God
and a pure effusion of the glory of the Almighty;
therefore nought that is sullied enters into her.
For she is the refulgence of eternal light,
the spotless mirror of the power of God,
the image of his goodness.
And she, who is one, can do all things,
and renews everything while herself perduring;
And passing into holy souls from age to age,
she produces friends of God and prophets.
For there is nought God loves, be it not one who dwells with Wisdom.
For she is fairer than the sun
and surpasses every constellation of the stars.
Compared to light, she takes precedence;
for that, indeed, night supplants,
but wickedness prevails not over Wisdom.

Indeed, she reaches from end to end mightily
and governs all things well.“

Do you hear the voice of Wisdom?
Where does she lead you?

Luke 17:11-19

in all
circumstances
we give thanks
to our God
who offers
goodness
and love
joy and peace
healing
our lives
keeping us firm
even as we feel weak
and uncertain
showing compassion
and kindness
that we return
this day

How are you thankful in all circumstances?
How do you show your thankfulness?

Wisdom 2:23-3:9; PSalm 34:2-3,26-29; Luke 17:7-10

imperishable life
living within
God’s love
He is close
to our broken-heartedness
and saves
our crushed spirits
lifting us up
from affliction
we embrace
divine Glory
and sing
with grateful praise
for all
God has done
for us

Who lifts your Spirit?

Wisdom 1:1-7; Psalm 139:1-10; Luke 17:1-8

God
the witness
of our inmost self
sees the desires
of our heart
sending
the Holy Spirit
to our longing
for love
and goodness
guiding
every step
even to the ends
of the earth
growing
our faith
beyond
what we could ever imagine

Who guides your steps?

Wisdom 6: 12-16; Psalm 63: 2-8; Thess 4: 13-17; Mt 25: 1-13

oil ready
lamp full
we wait
for you
thirsting
hoping
seeking
believing
in your wisdom
that gives
Life
do not turn
from us
barring
the door
see us
have mercy
on us
our spirit
held down
by the dead
we long
to rejoice
in the shadow
of your wings
resurrected

Is your soul thirsting for God?
Are your eyes open?
Is your lamp oil ready?