Amos 8:4-6, 9-12; Psalm 119:2,10,20,30,40-131; Matthew 9:9-13

experiencing
the mercy
of God
the relief
of seeing
misguided ways
and being renewed
in One
whose Holy Spirit
we follow
with all
of our heart
and mind
and soul
we are spared
the day
when there is famine
for the Word of God
for it lives
in us

Can you imagine a famine of the word of God?
Do you feel the relief of knowing who you are and what you need?

Amos 7:10-17; Psalm 19:8-11; Matthew 9:1-8

in the silence
we hear God’s words
precepts
perfect
refreshing
and trustworthy
giving wisdom
to our soul
rejoicing
in our heart
enlightening our eye
to justice
and mercy
in God’s presence
we rise up
and walk
forgiving all
and seeing with
God’s love
and goodness

Does your soul rejoice in God’s word?

Amos 2:6-10, 13-16; Psalm 50:16-23; Matthew 8:16-22

a prophet
offers
harsh
and scolding words
to all
we put before
the God of life
and love
our unfaithfulness
addictions
betrayal in words
and deeds
of ourselves
and another
question our hearts

we are called
to pause
and see our ways
and return
to a goodness
we cannot deny
or refuse
as we offer
a sacrifice of praise

Are you being called to pause?
What do you see?
How do you respond?

Wisdom 1:13-15; 2:23-24; Psalm 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; 2 Cor 8:7,9,13-15; Mark 5:21-43

through
the eyes of God
equal in love
and being
“those who have much
do not have more
and whoever have little
did not have less”
and in awe
we reach out
in our affliction
knowing one touch
one word
can heal
bringing all of our suffering
all of our loss
to an end
we believe
his words
“do not be afraid
just have faith”

Will you faith save you?

Lamentations 2:2, 10-14,18-19; Psalm 74:1-3,7, 20-21; Matthew 8:5-17

we lament
we despair
they say peace
and prosperity
where there is none
as we reap
the destruction
that was sown
by our ways
until
a path
of integrity
is shown
a word
is spoken
to our humility
and healing
comes

What are the prophets saying?
From where will healing come?

Solemnity of Peter and Paul
Acts 12:1-11; Psalm 34:2-9; 2Tim 4:6-8,17-18; Matthew 16:13-19

in prayer
we see Him
as He is
the Christ
the light
within
and around us
transforming all
into God’s vision
of love
we look
to Him
that we may be radiant
with joy
and feel
God’s constant
presence
that surrounds us
guiding us
and protecting us

Who do you say that He is?
Do you experience the joy of God’s presence?

2Kings 24:8-17; Psalm 79:1-9; Matthew 7:21-29

He knows us
by God’s will
in our mind
and heart
and deed
a solid foundation
for the storms
that come
His will
to love
and seek
the good
of another
is our guide

Is the love of all God’s will in your life?
Do you feel known and loved by Jesus?

2Kings 22:8-13; Psalm 119:3-40; Matthew 7:15-20

words
lost
are found
revealing
a Truth
that transforms
our mind
and heart
and soul
bearing fruit
and giving life
to a starving world

What fruit do his words bear in your life?

Matthew 7: 6, 12-14

this narrow
gate
to which
we are called
who would
enter
if not for
a love
they see
and hear
and touch
and taste
much greater
than the world
has known
a perfect
justice
that holds
no harm
only love
and goodness
for one another

Can you see through the narrow gate?

Mt 7: 1-5

speak
the truth
and set
it free
not with judgment
but with vision
setting
a path
to a promised land
where
all needs
are met
in kindness
generosity
and gentleness
when the violence
of greed
is left behind

Have you left the violence of greed?