Na 2:1,3,3:1-3,6-7; Dt. 32:35-44; Mt 16:24-28
living
in an Old Testament world
of revenge
and war
we turn
and embrace
someone new
who invites us
to take up our cross
and follow
into a world
of peace
so far above
anything we have known
on earth
One who embraces
Truth
and Love
Forgiveness
and Compassion
learning
to carry our suffering
and find ourselves
in the Light of Heaven

What does it mean to carry your cross?
How do you carry your cross?
Where does it lead you?

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51: 12-19; Matthew 16:13-23

a new heart
created
renewed
and steadfast
with a willing Spirit
to guide
no longer subject
to cultural whim
but living
with God’s
love
compassion
and Truth
within

How do you hear God speak into your heart?

Matthew 15:21-28

persistent
in our faith
we go
to the One
who heals
bringing
all our hopes
and fears
sorrows
and prayers
believing
in the power
that saves
not accepting any rebuke
we ask
and receive
with thanks

Are you persistent in your faith?
Where do you go for healing?

The Transfiguration
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97: 1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9: 2-10

morning star
rising in our heart
flames of fire
burning 
we rejoice
we are glad
to see the Truth
of God among us
purest power of God
even as Truth’s terror
strikes our heart
we see heaven’s justice
heaven’s glory
we listen
as we are told of
God’s pleasing son
a light shining
in the dark place of us
transfigured
no tent pitched
no shrine built
eternal place
cast into the seer’s eyes
the knower’s heart
revealed
in God’s time.

Do you live within His Light?
Have we felt the awe of God’s truth?

Jeremiah 28:1-17; Psalm 119:29,43,29,80,95,102; Matthew 14:13-21

removing
falsehood
from our minds
and hearts
we hear
the word
of God
through Him
who nourishes
and heals us
responding
to what is true
and not only
what we want
to hear
we put on courage
leaving our fear
and doubt
and follow

How do you respond to the Truth?
What do you do with your fear?

Ex: 16:2-4,12-15; Psalm 78: 3-4,23-25, 54; Ephesians 4: 17, 20-24;
John 6: 24-35

our daily bread
sent down
from heaven
feeds our heart
and minds
the spiritual food
that we need
to grow
into
a new creation
laying aside
our former
way of life
lived in illusion
that we may see
the Truth
through Him
divine love
sent to save us
and feed us
and teach us to love

Are His words food for your Spirit?
Have you set aside your former life?
Do you have faith in the One who was sent to you?

Mt 13:1-12

the Baptist’s head
served up
on a plate
gives pause
to the morning prayers
filling me
with questions
of our capacities
as we listen
to commands
and desires
to please
ourselves
or another
some fear
of shame
rejection
or retribution
praying
deeply
into the Spirit
our God
who saves us
from ourselves

How do you feel intimidated by the world’s demands?
How do you respond to human cruelty?
Are you open to God’s mercy?

Mt.13:54-58

losing sight
in the familiar
we do not see
what is
in front of us
God working
in all of God’s ways
for Good
following
the sacred path
we journey
with others
singing
with joy
to God
who is our help

Where do you see God in the familiar?
Where do you see God in what is in front of you?

Jeremiah 18:1-6; Psalm 146: 1-2,3-4,5-6; Matthew 13:47-53

in God’s hands
we are clay
fashioned
by a Will
and Spirit
for good
putting not
our trust
in princes
and men
for salvation
but in the Presence
we have come
to know
as the God of love
our Creator
and Savior

How do you experience your creator?
How do you experience being clay in the potter’s hands?

Jeremiah 15:10,16=21; Psalm 59:2-18; Matthew 13:4-46

this pearl
of great price
demanding all
this kingdom
of heaven
within
we sell all
we have
for it
and offer
our repentance
to a mercy
beyond
our means
bringing forth
what is precious
from the mouth
of God

What is your treasure?
How do you bring forth what is precious?