Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10; Psalm 71; Matthew 13:1-9

the sower
comes
with word seeds
scattered
in our heart
some bird comes
to steal–
some sun
to scorch–
some thorns
to choke–
yet some
find their way
into the rich soil
where they set
deep root
and grow
into
the tree of Life
bearing
great fruit

Have you opened your heart to God’s word seeds?
Where do they take root?

Matthew 12:46-50

he tells us
who we are
what family
we belong…
those who know
and do
the will of God
as if it is
an easy thing
a given thing-
yet over and over
in a world of seeming chaos
and suffering
and struggle
we ask 
whose will is this?

answered
only in mystery
we suffer all the more-
until a moment of dawning
within our soul
a transcendent moment
beyond all 
that can perish-
we see a love
that we can embrace
that answers all
questions
with no words
a knowing
that lets us bear all things
believe all things
hope all things
endure all things
a love that never ends

Is this the gift of faith?
Where does it come from?
How do you find it?
Where is your family?

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?

Jeremiah 23: 1-6; Psalm 23: 1-6; Eph 2: 13-18; John 6: 1-5)

a voice calls
through the maze
of our deceptions
to follow
to learn
to speak
of ways
known and born
of Truth
breaking down
the barriers
that keep us
from peace
we walk
through this dark valley
and fear no evil
with courage to live
in oneness
in love
and in peace

Do you hear and follow the voice of God?
Do you have the courage to live in peace?
Do you want only God’s love for all?

Mi 2:1-5; Psalm 10:1-8,14; Matthew 12:14-21

withdrawing
from the ones
who would do Him harm
He heals
and cures
the faithful
who follow
even as He aware of
what is to come
He knows
who He is
in God’s love
never ceasing
doing Good
we follow
the path
of Life

Do you follow His path to life?
What gives you strength to carry on when you are hurting and afraid?

Matthew 12:1-8

desiring
mercy
not sacrifice
we are lead
to act
with freedom
in 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?

Isaiah 26:7-9,12,16-19; Psalm 102:13-15; Matthew 11:28-30

seeing
with compassion
our suffering
and groaning
is heard
and a voice
speaks
into our heart…
“come to me
all who labor
and are burdened
and I will give you
rest”

Do you find your rest in God’s love and compassion

Matthew 11:25-27

with
child-like
wonder
and awe
we see God
as our light
revealing
God’s splendor
to us
hidden
in every
being
and leaf
and grain
of sand
shimmering
with a love
we cannot
refuse
to accept
or give

Do you see with child-like wonder?
Where do you see God in all you experience?

Psalm 95:8

if today
you hear
God’s voice
harden not
your heart

How do you keep your mind and heart open to God’s voice?
What do you hear

Isaiah 1:10-17; Psalm 50: 8-9,16-17,21 and 23; Matthew 10:34-11:1

God’s love
above all
our guide
no ritual
or ceremony
can take the place
of His justice
His love of all
in care
and compassion
giving
and forgiving
of one another
in grateful
praise

How do you experience God’s love in your life?