Kings 3: 5,7-12; Ps: 119: 57, 72, 76-77, 127-130; Romans 8: 28-30; Mt 13: 44-52

not for ourselves
not for long life
not for riches
do we ask
but wisdom
knowing
your revelation
and your light
that all things
work together
for good
in you
we sell
all we have
for your treasure
holding nothing back
you teach
us generosity
we give all
for you
letting you judge
our goodness
from evil
casting out all
that is not
truth
we live
in your mercy
and compassion

What is your heart’s desire?
Do you give yourself completely to God?
How?

Memorial of Martha and Mary
Luke 10:38-42

putting away
our anxieties
and worries
of the day to day
we take the time
to listen
to His words
of love
guiding us
along the path
to truth
and freedom
letting go
of our judgements
and our need to control
we see something
essential
in our being
the beauty of our soul
that says we are enough
even more than enough
in God’s love

What do you hear when you listen to His words?
What is the most essential thing?

Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19:8-11; Matthew 13:18-23

God’s law
rejoices
in our heart
giving us
light and love
for the journey
guiding us
through all
that would cause
unfaithfulness
killing
stealing
bearing false witness
coveting others lives
and possession
creating idols to worship
not honoring parents
not creating Sabbath
the time to be still
and pray
to remember
who we are
and from where
all of God’s love
and goodness flows

Does your heart rejoice in God’s law

Exodus 19:1-20; Daniel 3:52-56; Matthew 13:10-17

through a cloud
of unknowing
through thunderous storms
fire and trumpet blast
we are overwhelmed
by a higher power
at once
in awe
and fear

we take pause

until a voice
of one who knows
our God
of love
and peace
tells us
who we are
through ears
that can hear
eyes
that can see
hearts
that can know
the heaven
that lives within
and among us

What guides you now?
What do you see? What do you hear?

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

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?

2Cor 4:7-15; Psalm 126:1-6; Matthew 20:20-28

given freedom
we rejoice
as though
dreaming
having sown
and toiled
in tears
we are filled
with laughter
and joy
for though
afflicted
perplexed
persecuted
and struck down
we have not
been constrained
abandoned
destroyed
or left in despair
we are raised up
by the God
who raised him
our treasure
found
in these
earthen vessels

Have you found freedom?
Where?

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?

Wisdom 12:13,16-19; Psalm 86:5-6,9-10,15-16; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-43

weeds and wheat
growing within
what harvest
may come
and save
what is good?

a Spirit
that searches
our hearts
knowing the intent
of God’s will for love

a justice
that knows
we must be kind
for power to be shown

a faith
the size
of a mustard seed
that grows into
the tree of life

all answered by wisdom’s grace

Feast of Mary Magdalene

2Cor 5:14-17; Psalm 63:2-9; John 20:11-18

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?
How do you respond?

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?