Number 11:4-15; Psalm 81:12-17; Matthew 14:13-21

through
God’s abundance
our need
is filled
even when
it is not
what we expected
and even as we complain
and moan
time
opens
our eyes
and we see
the little
we have
grow
and multiply
as our eyes are opened
to see
the abundance of God
in all things

Do you see the abundance of God?

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?

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory,
my understanding,
and my entire will
— all that I have
and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours;
do with it what you will.
Give me only your love
and your grace.
That is enough for me.”

-Ignatius of Loyola

Leviticus 23:1,4-16,27,34=37; Psalm 81:3-6,10-11; Matthew 13:54-58

a light
too familiar
too close
we are blinded
to one another
losing
our power
for good
yet
in returning
to God
we hear
a new melody
that awakens us
to all
that has been
and will be
a Light
and Love
that cannot
be forsaken

Can you hear this melody?
How do we reclaim the sacred in the ordinary?

Memorial of Martha and Mary
John 11:19-27

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 34:29:35; Psalm 99:5-9; Matthew 13:44-46

we find
a pearl
of great price
in God’s word
leaving all
to follow
what we see
as Truth
not turning back
we are drawn
by the radiance
of God’s presence
and love

What draws you to God?
What calls you to follow?

Matthew 13:36-43

you plant
your seed
within us
your Word
that gives
Life
we tend
its soil
with love
and compassion
yielding
its weeds
to you
for rooting up
and pruning
then offering
first fruits
to the Light
of Glory

Who tends to your heart?
Who do you trust?

Exodus 32:15-24,30-34; Psalm 106:19-23; Matthew 13:31-35

yeast
of faith
growing
in our heart
and mind
and soul
we turn away
from all
that keeps us
distracted
and confused
worshiping
not in illusion
but in the Spirit
of Love and Truth
we receive
our daily bread

How easily are you distracted and confused?

2 Kings 4: 42-44; Psalm 145: 10-11, 15-18; Eph 4: 1-6; John 6: 1-15

“The hand of the Lord feeds us. He answers all our needs”

one body
one spirit
we gather first fruits
and feed
one another
as ancient prophets
and Jesus
are one with us
we know
there is
enough
in open hands
the justice of God
pours out
to satisfy
the desire
of every living thing–
to be king
was not his answer
but to know God
and each other
heart to heart
and call upon him
for Truth
He who is just
in all his ways.

Do you call upon God for Truth?
Do you believe you have enough and share?
Do you live with open hands?

Matthew 13:24-30

our heart
and soul
cry out
for the dwelling place
in God
that gives us
our strength
to live
and shelter
the needs
of others
living
among
the weeds
and wheat
we pray
to not be uprooted
that what is good
in us
may flourish
in its due time

What is it to live among the weeds and the wheat?