Ezekiel 16:1-15, 60-63; Psalm 12:2-6; Matthew 19:3-12

losing
the source
and ground
of our being
we forget
who we are
as we are fashioned
with our own pride
we become
blind
to others
breaking
sacred vows
forsaking
ourselves
yet still remembered
in God’s love
and mercy

Do you remember who you are?
How do you experience God’s presence?

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?

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 sow your seed generously?
Who provides the seed?

Ez 2:8-3:4; Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103,111, 131; 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 love 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 loves you?

Ezekiel 1:2-5, 24-28C; Psalm 148:1-2,11-14; Matthew 17:22-27

you open up
your life
and death
to us
in this here
and now
and provide
all we need
to enter
this day
even as we grieve
and fear
you hand
us heaven
and earth
filled with Glory
and Grace
we thank you
and praise
with all
of our heart

Do you experience the power of God’s grace?

Wisdom 18: 6-9; Psalm 33: 1, 12, 18-22, Hebrews 11: 1-2, 8-19

like Sara and Abraham
not knowing
where we are going
we put our hope
our trust
and faith
in God
where our salvation
and new life
resides
lamps burning
we are
ever ready
to follow
our hearts home
to God
our never-failing
treasure
that no thief
can steal
we tend
ceaselessly to
what has been
given
with joy

Do we live by our faith in God?
Are we always ready for God’s grace?
Do we feel God’s eyes and love upon us?

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

as the day
dawns
and the
morning star
rises
in our hearts
we see
the light
of who
we are
one
with Him
in God’s glory
a gift
of awe
and wonder
of a love
and power
beyond
our imagining
that no word
or thought
can capture

Do you see God’s transforming light?

Jeremiah 31:1-7; Jeremiah 31:10-13; Matthew 15:21-28

persisting
in our pleading
our faith
carries us
deeper
into
His healing love
where we
are heard
for the love
we carry
for our families
and friends
and enemies
we build
our lives
around this
as the Holy Spirit
guides us
and our mourning
is turned
into joy

Do you feel heard by God?
Are you persistent in prayer?

Matthew 14:22-36

facing the storm
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

Do your faith to sustain you?

Eccl 1:2, 2-21-23; Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9; Col. 3: 1-5, 9-11; Luke 12: 13-21)

we are
a new creation
no longer
our vanities
building
storage
for things
that pass away
we turn
to His voice
with open hearts
and hear
the desire of spirit
for love
and purity
goodness
faithfulness
Truth and
equality
we have our being
in God
singing joyfully
with thanksgiving
we create
and live
in the
empty
space
of spirit
filling it
with love

For what are you building up storage?
On what things is your mind intent?
Are you rooted in the nature of the spirit?
What matters to God?