Romans 16:3-9,16,22-27; Psalm 145: 2-5, 10-11; Luke 16:9-15

God
you know
our hearts
and how much
we struggle
in the world
to be true
and trustworthy
to our Spiritual nature–
forgetting
who we are
we trust
in material things
over the Spirit
that brings life
and love
kindness
and generosity–
yet in this struggle
mercy
and grace
are found
and we are renewed

Are you trustworthy in little things?
Do you rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance at all times?

Romans 15:14-21; Psalm 98:1-4; Luke 16:1-8

by the power
of the Spirit of God
we sing joyfully
of kindness
goodness
and love
sharing what we know
in faith
through song
reaching beyond
mere words
into the soul’s
essence
and light

How does your soul respond to the music you make?
Where does the music come from?
Who is the Creator?

Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Readings: 1Ez: 47:11-12; Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-0; Cor: 3:9C-11, 16-17; John 2: 3-22

we are
the temple of God
risen with Him
Spirit in-dwelling
cleansed of all
that would defile
we flow
with God’s living water
from this sanctuary
living in God’s will
that all should live
and flourish
with God in our midst
we shall not
be disturbed
God is our help
at the break
of dawn
we rejoice
at the astounding things
God has wrought
upon the earth

Do you experience yourself as the temple of God?
How do you experience God’s presence?

Romans 13:8-10; Psalm 112:1-0; Luke 14:25-33

owe nothing
but love
to one another
giving generously
and mercifully
from God’s love
knowing
we own nothing
in our possessions
we live
in the light
of God’s grace
that dawns
through our darkness
God’s wisdom
showing the way

Do you live in God’s light?
How is love the fulfillment of the law?

Romans 12:5-16; Psalm 131:1-3; Matthew 11:28

knowing
our gifts
we live
with zeal
for God’s love
doing what is good
rejoicing in hope
enduring affliction
and persevering
in prayer
we rejoice
with those who rejoice
and weep
with those who weep
for we have found peace
in God

Where do you find peace?

Romans 11:29-36; Psalm 69:30-31, 33-34, 36; Luke 14:12-14

an irrevocable call
God’s gifts
are everlasting
a love and mercy
that has no end
and reaches
into the depths
of our mind
and heart
and being
answering us
as we call out
for help
we hear
the voice
of Love
and reach out
to all in need

Do you hear God’s voice of love?
How do you respond?

Malachi 1: 14-2:2; 8-10; Psalm 131: 1-3; Thess 2:7-9; 13; Mt. 23:1-12

crushed
by your reprimands
we return
to you
leaving
behind
our false
superficial ways
knowing that
the greatest
shall be
the one
who serves
from the deep
wellspring of God
the One
who holds
our peace
the One
who nourishes
so that we may
lift the burdens
from each other
with love

Are you nourished by God’s love?
Do you find your peace in God?

Romans 11:1-2, 11-12, 15-29; Psalm 94:12-18; Luke 14: 1, 7-11

when our feet
are slipping
God’s mercy
sustains us
in a love
that is
irrevocable
independent of
our wanderings
or transgressions
or hardened hearts
God gives
a love
that calls
ever deeply
into what remains
true
and lovely
and good
in us
drawing us
from low places
to the Light
of His Presence

Does God call deeply into what is true and lovely and good in you?
What is true and lovely and good in you?

Romans 9:1-5; Psalm 147:12-15;19-20; Luke 14:1-6

hearing the voice
of Love
we respond
with all
of our heart
and soul
and mind
serving the Goodness
we see
in any way
we can
great and small
all belongs
to the heart
of God

How do you serve the love and goodness you see?

Wisdom 3:1-9; Psalm 23:1-6; Romans 5:5-11; John 6:37-40

a stillness
that looks
like death
is not
as our soul rests
in the hand
of God
even as we walk
through
this valley
of darkness
we have no fear
for God is with us
in a love
poured out
into our hearts
living
in a hope
that will not disappoint

Do you live in the hope that will not disappoint?