Ezekiel 34:1-11; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 20:1-16

abandoned
by our shepherds
we are lost
and look
into our hearts
where God speaks to us
of love and goodness
there is
no partiality
in God’s love
as we labor
in God’s field
each receiving
All
in a generosity
that bears fruit through
the Holy Spirit
we shall want
for nothing
as we see
each spiritual gift
unfold
before us
and shepherd us
home

What do you hear in your heart?
Do you experience God’s love and generosity?

Ezekiel 28:1-10; Dt 32:26-30; 35-36; Matthew 19:23-30

leaving
all attachment
images
and possessions
we pass
unburdened
through
the eye of the needle
impossible
on our own
we enter
the possibilities
of God
where each moment
turns
towards
of light
of knowing
beholding
the transforming
beauty
and Glory
of God

Can you let go of all you think you need?
What do you find?

Matthew 19:16-22

letting go
of all
that possesses us
we see
our treasure
in heaven
the heart
of God’s
goodness
come to earth
in a love
that is in
yet beyond
his commands
calling us
from idolatrous
ways
to a Truth
that feeds
and sustains us

Do you let go of all that possesses you?
What sustains you?

Isaiah 56:1,6-7; Psalm 67; Romans 11:13-15,29-32; Matthew 15:21-28

we beg
mercy
for our children
we seek
healing–
our desire
our faith
breaking
through barriers
with our love
our seeking
healing
comes from one
who sees
our heart
of faith
may God
be gracious
and God’s face
shine upon us
that this world
may be saved
and sing
its song
of joy

Have you experienced God’s healing?
Do you know the joy of God’s mercy?
Do you feel God’s face shining upon you?

Luke 1:30-56

our souls
proclaim
the greatness
of the Lord
our Spirit
rejoices
in God
our savior
who offers
mercy
and strength
filling
all of our needs
helping us
never forgetting
His promise
we feel the Light
of His love
within us
leaping up
for joy

How do you experience God’s light within you?
Does you Soul proclaim the greatness of the Lord?

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

losing
awareness of
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?

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 vengeance?
Do you embrace the way of love and peace?

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 love you?

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

tiny
whisper
we hear
you

the soft
kiss
of peace
and justice
for those
who
walk
the waters
fearlessly
in buoyed
faith
towards
the Christ
who waits
calming
the storms

struck
with belief
in the power
of His presence
we are saved

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