Matthew 18:21-19:1

living
in God’s mercy
we learn
to forgive
over and over
as we leave
our ignorance
and enter
God’s slowly
revealing truths
of infinite love
that opens doors
in our minds
and hearts
to another way
forgetting
the past
and embracing
God’s ever presence

How do you forgive everything?

Ezekiel 9:1-7,10,18-22; Psalm 113:1-6; Matthew 18:15-20

sickened
by retribution
vengeance
and slaughter
we turn away
seeking
a way
to forgiveness
and peace

reconciled
in the heart of Christ
we embrace
a new vision
that sets us free
binding on earth
the strength
of love
and peace
marked for heaven

Do you turn away from fear and vengeance?
Do you embrace the way of love and peace?

Matthew 18:1-14

know what it is
to be a child
lost in the wonder
of the world
always a beginning
as each thing
presents itself
to our senses
yet easily lost
in our wanderings
we seek guidance
from one who knows
the way
rejoicing
when we are found
by the one
who loves us
the most
believing
the promises
with child like faith
we open our hearts
with trust
knowing
instinctively
that there is no other way

Do you know what it is to be a child?
Do you trust the promises of the ones who love you?

Feast of St. Lawrence
2Cor 9:6-10; Psalm 112:1-9; John 12:24-26

generously
we sow
the seed
given
dying
as a grain
of wheat
to an old life
to be born
again
into
a new life
where
the light
of His glory
shines
and we follow
a way
we know
as Truth
built
on the
steadfast heart
of His love

Do you give without sadness or compulsion? Are you a cheerful giver?

Kings 19:9-13; Psalm 85: 9-14; Romans 9: 1-5; Mt. 14: 22-33

in a tiny
whisper
we hear you
and in the soft
kiss
of peace
and justice
we feel you –
in those
who walk
the waters
fearlessly
in buoyed
faith
we see you-
the Christ
who waits
calming
the storms–
struck
with belief
in the power
of your presence
we are saved

Are you buoyed by your faith?
Do you sink in your fear?

Matthew 17:14-20

your mustard seed
of faith
grows
until it fills
all
of your world
air
and breath
earth
and sky
tree
and field
all
that you are
all
that will ever be
when the mountain
is moved
healing comes
and God’s love
is revealed

Do you have even a mustard seed of faith?
What mountain has it moved?

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?

Feast of 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
an eternal place
cast into the seer’s eyes
the knower’s heart
revealed
in God’s time.

Have we been transfigured with him?
Have we felt the awe of God’s truth?

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
receive
and give thanks

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

Matthew 14:22-36

facing the storm
tossed and turned
by the anxieties 
of our time
we cry out
for help
and He answers
walking across
our troubled waters
he reaches out
His hand
to our need
and our fear
asking only
for faith
to sustain us

Does your faith in Him sustain you?