Jeremiah 7:1-11; Psalm 84:3-11; Matthew 13:24-30

our heart
and soul
cry out
for the dwelling place
in God
that gives us
our strength
to live
and shelter
the needs
of others-
living
among
the weeds
and wheat
we pray
to not be uprooted
that what is good
in us
may flourish
in its due time

What is it to live among the weeds and the wheat

Jeremiah 2:1-3,7-8,12-13; Psalm 36; Matthew 13:10-17

in your light
we see
light
the place
of mercy
the place
of justice
the place
of love
source
of the living waters
we enter
a garden
full of the hope
in faithfulness
to your word
nourishing us
with daily bread

By what light do you see

Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10; Psalm 71; Matthew 13:1-9

the sower
comes
with word seeds
scattered
in our heart
some bird comes
to steal–
some sun
to scorch–
some thorns
to choke–
yet some
find their way
into the rich soil
where they set
deep root
and grow
into
the tree of Life
bearing
great fruit

Have you opened your heart to God’s word seeds?
Where do they take root?

Matthew 12:46-50

he tells us
who we are
what family
we belong…
those who know
and do
the will of God
as if it is
an easy thing
a given thing-
yet over and over
in a world of seeming chaos
and suffering
and struggle
we ask 
whose will is this?

answered
only in mystery
we suffer all the more-
until a moment of dawning
within our soul
a transcendent moment
beyond all 
that can perish-
we see a love
that we can embrace
that answers all
questions
with no words
a knowing
that lets us bear all things
believe all things
hope all things
endure all things
a love that never ends

Is this the gift of faith?
Where does it come from?
How do you find it?
Who is your family?

Micah 6:1-4;6-8; Psalm 150; Matthew 12:38-42

we seek
no sign
only
to do
the right
love goodness
and walk
humbly
with our God

What do you seek?

Genesis 18: 1-10; Psalm 15: 2-5; Col 1:24-28; Luke 10; 38-42

mystery
of Christ
we want
to entertain you
with our hospitality
and good works
unable to hear
your words
in our doing
we become lost
to the one thing
required–
at your feet
we listen
and hear All
as the love of God
fills us
from this new life
within
justice springs forth
we are completed in you
even in our suffering
there is joy
as all our works
are from you
Truth
in our heart
we harm
nor use another
we turn from evil
and live
only in your presence

Do you become lost in our doing?
Do you enter this stillness at the feet of Christ?
Do you act from the center of God’s presence?

Matthew 2:1-5; Psalm 10:1-8,14; Matthew 12:14-21

withdrawing
from the ones
who would do Him harm
He heals
and cures
the faithful
who follow
even as He aware of
what is to come
He knows
who He is
in God’s love
never ceasing
doing Good
we follow
the path
of Life

Do you follow His path to life?
What gives you strength to carry on when you are hurting and afraid?

Matthew 12:1-8

desiring
mercy
not sacrifice
we are lead
to act
with freedom
from God’s
unconditional love
giving food
shelter
comfort
forgiveness
and kindness
offering
ourselves
to what is needed

How do you respond to the need for mercy in the world?

Isaiah 26:7-9,12,16-19; Psalm 102:13-14 and 15, 16-18,19-21, Matthew 11:28-30

looking down
from a holy height
our suffering
and groanings
are heard
and a voice
speaks
into our heart
come to me
all who labor
and are burdened
and I will give
you rest

Do you hear the voice and follow?

Matthew 11:25-27

with
child-like
wonder
and awe
we see God
as our light
revealing
God’s splendor
to us
hidden
in every
being
and leaf
and grain
of sand
shimmering
with a love
we cannot
refuse
to accept
or give

Do you see with child-like wonder?
Where do you see God in all you experience?