Ezekiel 18:1-19,, 13B,30-32; Psalm 51:12-18; Matthew 19:13-15

our hearts
cleared
our Spirit
renewed
our joy
returns
and a willing
Spirit
sustains us
with the innocence
of a child
we return
to wonder
no longer
preying
upon one another
but living
in peace

Do you have a willing spirit?
Has peace found you?

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?

Matthew 18:21-19:1

everyday
we ask
how many times
we must forgive
the ones
who have hurt us
over and over
as we struggle to live
each time
hearing the same-
as many times
as the question
is asked
mercy
is the only answer
until every lesson
is learned

How many times have you been called to forgive?
How many times have you needed forgiveness?
Do you hear the answer of mery?

Luke 1:39-56

through Mary’s faith
proclaiming
the greatness
of the Lord
we see God’s look
of favor upon us
and all
that God has blessed
having mercy
on those who are in awe
and wonder
scattering the proud
and lifting the lowly
filling the hungry
with good things
and remembering
mercy
she lifts our eyes
to the love
of heaven
that lives
among us

Are your eyes opened to the love of heaven?

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 19:4-8; Psalm 34:2-9; Eph 4:30-5:2; John 6:41-51

suffering
and weary
reaching for death
we are fed
by the bread
of angels
strengthened
we walk to
God’s holy mountain
where we
taste and see
the goodness of the Lord

hands outstretched
for our bread of Life
manna of Jesus
we eat
and our nourished
releasing
our bitterness
passion and anger
harsh words
and malice of every kind
we turn to compassion
and forgiveness
following the way of love

Do you let yourself be fed by the bread of angels?
Do you let yourself be fed by the bread of life?
Do you release yourself into love?

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?

Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51: 12-19; Matthew 16:13-23

a new heart
created
renewed
and steadfast
with a willing Spirit
to guide
no longer subject
to cultural whim
but living
with God’s
love
compassion
and Truth
within

Do you experience God within your heart?

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

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

Jer 30:-2, 12-22; Psalm 102:16-23; Mt 13:22-36

from the mountaintop
of prayer
you come
to us
in troubled waters
and lift us up
above the storm
into a love
that has the power
to carry us
and calm the sea
as long
as we
are not afraid

What do you do with your fear?