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 give without sadness or compulsion? Are you a cheerful giver?

Kings 19:9-13; Psalm 85: 9-14; Romans 9: 1-5; Mt. 14: 22-33

in a tiny
whisper
we hear you
and in the soft
kiss
of peace
and justice
we feel you –
in those
who walk
the waters
fearlessly
in buoyed
faith
we see you-
the Christ
who waits
calming
the storms–
struck
with belief
in the power
of your presence
we are saved

Are you buoyed by your faith?
Do you sink in your fear?

Matthew 17:14-20

your mustard seed
of faith
grows
until it fills
all
of your world
air
and breath
earth
and sky
tree
and field
all
that you are
all
that will ever be
when the mountain
is moved
healing comes
and God’s love
is revealed

Do you have even a mustard seed of faith?
What mountain has it moved?

Na 2:1,3,3:1-3,6-7; Dt. 32:35-44; Mt 16:24-28
living
in an Old Testament world
of revenge
and war
we turn
and embrace
someone new
who invites us
to take up our cross
and follow
into a world
of peace
so far above
anything we have known
on earth
One who embraces
Truth
and Love
Forgiveness
and Compassion
learning
to carry our suffering
and find ourselves
in the Light of Heaven

What does it mean to carry your cross?
How do you carry your cross?
Where does it lead you?

Feast of the Transfiguration

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 97: 1-2, 5-6, 9; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9: 2-10

morning star
rising in our heart
flames of fire
burning 
we rejoice
we are glad
to see the Truth
of God among us
purest power of God
even as Truth’s terror
strikes our heart
we see heaven’s justice
heaven’s glory
we listen
as we are told of
God’s pleasing son
a light shining
in the dark place of us
transfigured
no tent pitched
no shrine built
an eternal place
cast into the seer’s eyes
the knower’s heart
revealed
in God’s time.

Have we been transfigured with him?
Have we felt the awe of God’s truth?

Matthew 15:21-28

persistent
in our faith
we go
to the One
who heals
bringing
all our hopes
and fears
sorrows
and prayers
believing
in the power
that saves
not accepting any rebuke
we ask
receive
and give thanks

Are you persistent in your faith?
Where do you go for healing?

Matthew 14:22-36

facing the storm
tossed and turned
by the anxieties 
of our time
we cry out
for help
and He answers
walking across
our troubled waters
he reaches out
His hand
to our need
and our fear
asking only
for faith
to sustain us

Does your faith in Him sustain you?

Jeremiah 28:1-17; Psalm 119:29,43,29,80,95,102; Matthew 14:13-21

removing
falsehood
from our minds
and hearts
we hear
the word
of God
through Him
who nourishes
and heals us
responding
to what is true
and not only
what we want
to hear
we put on courage
leaving our fear
and doubt
and follow

How do you respond to the Truth?
What do you do with your fear?

Isaiah 55: 1-3; Psalm 145: 8-18; Romans 8: 35-39; Mt 14: 13-21

in our open hands and hearts
you satisfy
all of our desires
we come
to your waters
in our poverty
you feed us
with your richness–
your mercy
goodness
and compassion
are our food
and in your love
we are
satisfied
nothing
ever
can separate us
from your love
neither
death
nor life
angels
principalities
depth nor height
your love is all
that is true

Do you accept the love from Christ’s open hand?
Do you grow in His love and compassion?

Mt 13:1-12

the Baptist’s head
served up
on a plate
gives pause
to the morning prayers
filling me
with questions
of our capacities
as we listen
to commands
and desires
to please
ourselves
or another
some fear
of shame
rejection
or retribution
praying
deeply
into the Spirit
our God
who saves us
from ourselves

How do you feel intimidated by the world’s demands?
How do you respond to human cruelty?
Are you open to God’s mercy?