2Samuel 12:1-7,10-17; Psalm 51:12-17; Mark 4:35-41

we take
what is not ours
and suffer
the consequence
as God’s nature
takes its course
death from death
life from life
some mercy comes
and our hearts
are created
anew
the storms
are calmed
and we stand
in awe
of the power
from which
we are conceived
the power
in which we live

Have you taken what is not yours?
What mercy has come to you?

2Samuel 11:1-10,13-17; Psalm 51:3-7,10-11; Mark 4:26-34

one seed
for good
or evil
planted
grows
through
the mystery
of its being
and plan
bearing
its fruit
and consequence
for life
or death
one a living branch
supporting life
and beauty
the other
in need
of mercy

What seed have you planted?

2Samuel 7:18-19,24-29; Psalm 132: 1-5,11-14;Mark 4:21-25

nothing secret
nothing hidden
as His Light
is revealed
shining
on all
with the Truth
of God’s
immeasurable Love
that shall be our own
measure
as we live
and move
and have our being
within God’s love

What is your measure?

Mark 4:1-20

seed sown
by the Holy Spirit
from the dark
rich soil
of God’s love
grows
deep roots
into God’s mystery
nourished
by God’s word
showered
by the clear waters
of faith
drawn
to the Light
of Presence
one with
God’s breath
we bear
God’s fruit
of justice
mercy
and love

Do you have deep roots into the mystery of God’s love?

2Samuel 6:12-19; Psalm 24:7-10; Mark 3: 31-35

dancing
before the Lord
we offer
our gifts
to God
and one another
one family
united
in God’s will
for Love

Are you filled with the joy of the Lord?
To whom do you offer your gifts?

2 Timothy 1: 1-8; Psalm 96: 1-10; Mark 3: 22-30

stir
the flames
of faith
given
by the Holy Spirit
who did not give
a spirit of
cowardice
but of power
self control
and love
once seen
cannot be
denied
we sing
of the glory
passed on
through
generations
living
now
in the deep roots
of God’s love and faith

Do you have an undivided heart?
Does your faith have deep roots in God’s love?

Isaiah 8: 23-9:3; Psalm 27; 1 Cor 10-17; Mt 4:12-17

united in the mind of Christ
judgment and anguish
have taken wing
streams of light
beam into
our darkness
bringing joy
to a land
of gloom
he calls us
we follow
to dwell
in the house
of the Lord
gazing on
loveliness
we are
completed
in God’s love
the yoke
of our burden
is lifted
the rod of taskmaster
smashed
making way
for the risen
Light

Do you unite yourself to the life and death and rising of Christ ?
Do you feel your burden lifted through the cross?

2Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12,19,13-27; Psalm 80: 2-3,5-7; Mark 3:2-21

fed on the bread
of tears
our heart
and minds
are closed
until His love
and healing
find us–
out of His mind
into the mind of God
we know
our place
beloved
and cherished
where neither
life or death
can separate us
from God’s
loving care

Is your mind open to the mind of God?
What do you find there?
Jesus relatives thought he was “out of His mind”.
What do you think?

1Samuel 24:3-21; Psalm 57: 2-4; 6 and 11; Mark 3:13-19

in mercy
we are called
to follow
with the Holy Spirit
emptying
ourselves
of all enmity
anger
and jealousy
forgiving all
for the sake
of God’s love
that has come to us
freely
so that we may give
freely

How do you give and receive mercy?

1Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Psalm 56:1-3,9-13; Mark 3:7-12

we see
what we need
and follow
freedom
from sin
suffering
and death
as we reach out
to a knowing source
pressing
upon him
wisdom speaks
and we are touched
by the light
of the living God
jealousy
and fears
cease
as we live
in the trust
of God

How do you live by the freedom of God’s living light?