Exodus 16:1-15; Psalm 78:18-28; Matthew 13:1-9

daily bread
manna
from God
we are nourished
and given
all we need
for the journey
life
from death
we are
the rich soil
ready and waiting
for the seed
of God’s word
to grow
in our lives
protected
from all
that would
scratch
or scorch
we resist
all that would choke out
God’s love
for us
and in us

Do you have ears to hear God’s word?

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

“Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure
in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power
may be of God
and not from us.
We are afflicted
in every way,
but not constrained;
perplexed,
but not driven to despair;
persecuted,
but not abandoned;
struck down,
but not destroyed;
always carrying about
in the body
the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus
may also be manifested
in our body.
For we who live
are constantly being given up
to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus
may be manifested
in our mortal flesh…

Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace
bestowed in abundance
on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving
to overflow
for the glory of God.”

Do you see the treasure that you hold?

Exodus 14:5-18; Ex 15:1-6; Matthew 12:38-42

demanding signs
we show
our unfaithfulness
to love
not believing
its ever-presence
in our lives
until the voice
of the transcendent
appears
among us
calling us
to turn
our lives around
and hear
and see
what is
and has always been
among us

What signs of love do you seek?

Wisdom 12:13,16-19; Psalm 86:5-6,9-10,15-16; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-43

weeds and wheat
growing within
what harvest
may come
and save
what is good?

a Spirit
that searches
our hearts
knowing the intent
of God’s will for love

a justice
that knows
we must be kind
for power to be shown

a faith
the size
of a mustard seed
that grows into
the tree of life

all answered by wisdom’s grace

Feast of Mary Magdalene

2Cor 5:14-17; Psalm 63:2-9; John 20:11-18

hearing God
call our name
we remember
and recognize
who we are
made from Goodness
made for Goodness
the love of Christ
impels us
what we have longed for
is here
our help
and our joy
our soul clings fast
to what is revealed
while we live
and grow
in the freedom
of God’s word

Do you hear God call your name?

Exodus 11:10-12:14; Psalm 116:12-18; Matthew 12:1-8

desiring
mercy
not sacrifice
we are lead
to act
with freedom
from God’s
unconditional love
giving food
shelter
comfort
forgiveness
and kindness
offering
ourselves
to what is needed

How do you respond to the need for mercy in the world?

Exodus 3:13-20; Psalm 105:1, 5,8-9,24-27; Matthew 11:28-30

with a promise
of rest
from our burdens
we are yoked
with one
who knows
where peace resides
deeper
than the world
can offer
a love
beyond
conditions
and judgement
a love
that says
“I Am”

Where does your love reside?

Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12; Psalm 103:1-7; Matthew 11:25-27

securing justice
in love
for all
we are brought
we see
the Holy Ground
upon which we stand
a world aflame
with a mercy
that heals
all ills
and redeems life
from destruction
kindness and compassion
flourish
as we are shown
the way
through our childlike innocence
to God’s
enduring love

Do you see the Holy Ground upon which you stand?

Exodus 2:1-15; Psalm 3,14,30-34; Matthew 11:20-24

resisting
warning
prophecy
and woe
we persist
in our ways
devoid
of moral compass
lost
and running
until God
in infinite mercy
and grace
reveals
an irresistible love
that changes
everything

Have you been touched by God’s irresistible love?

Exodus 1:8-14,22; Psalm 124:1-8; Matthew 10:34-11:1

severed
from all
that would keep us
from God’s goodness
we surrender
into a great mystery
this cross
this dying
so that we might
rise again
in all that gives life
Holy Spirit
renewer of all
we find our place
in your guidance
your strength
bringing us
to a greater love

Do you say yes to God’s invitation to a greater love?