2 Corinthians 4:7-15

“Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure
in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power
may be of God
and not from us.
We are afflicted
in every way,
but not constrained;
perplexed,
but not driven to despair;
persecuted,
but not abandoned;
struck down,
but not destroyed;
always carrying about
in the body
the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus
may also be manifested
in our body.
For we who live
are constantly being given up
to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus
may be manifested
in our mortal flesh…

Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace
bestowed in abundance
on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving
to overflow
for the glory of God.”

Do you see the treasure that you hold?
What image do you hold of Christ?

Exodus 16:1-15; Psalm 78:18-28; Matthew 13:1-9

with our daily bread
we are nourished
and given
all we need
for the journey
to life
from death
we are
the rich soil
ready and waiting
for the seed
of God’s word
to grow
in our lives
protected
from all
that would
scratch
or scorch
we resist
all that would choke out
God’s love
for us
and in us
and God’s love for all

Do you have ears to hear God’s word?
How does God’s love grow in your life?

Feast of Mary Magdalene
John 20:1-2; 11-18

hearing God
call our name
we remember
and recognize
who we are
made from Goodness
made for Goodness
the love of Christ
impels us
what we have longed for
is here
our help
and our joy
our soul clings fast
to what is revealed
while we live
and grow
in the freedom
of God’s word

Do you hear God call your name?

Exodus 14:5-18; Ex 15:1-6; Matthew 12:38-42

demanding signs
we show
our unfaithfulness
to love
not believing
its ever-presence
in our lives
until the voice
of the transcendent
appears
among us
calling us
to turn
our lives around
and hear
and see
what is
and has always been
among us

What signs of love 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 no one
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?

Exodus 12:37-42; Psalm 136:1, 10-15, 23-24; Matthew 12:13-21

in the night vigil
with the Lord
we feel mercy
upon us
reassurance
and freedom
arise
in our souls
from all our anxieties
as our faith
is returned
to the source
of all life
and goodness
and love
we give thanks
for God’s peace
and enter
God’s rest

Where do you find peace in the world’s chaos?

Exodus 11:10-12:14; Psalm 116:12-18; 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?

Exodus 3:13-20; Psalm 105:1, 5,8-9,24-27; Matthew 11:28-30

with a promise
of rest
from our burdens
we are yoked
with one
who knows
where peace resides
deeper
than the world
can offer
a love
beyond
conditions
and judgement
a love
deep within
that says
“I Am”

Where does your love reside?
How do live out this love in a world of chaos? Are you angry at what you see happening in the world? Does peace live beyond what you can feel with injustice you see? Where is God in this?

Exodus 3:1-12; Psalm 103:1-7; Matthew 11:25-27

with
child-like
wonder
and awe
we see you
as your light
reveals
God’s splendor
to us
the fire 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?
Do you experience God’s kindness and mercy?

Exodus 2:1-15; Psalm 3,14,30-34; Matthew 11:20-24

resisting
warning
prophecy
and woe
we persist
in our ways
finding ourselves devoid
of a moral compass
we are lost
and running
until God
in infinite mercy
and grace
reveals
an irresistible love
that becomes our justice
and changes everything

Have you been touched by God’s irresistible love?
How has that changed you?