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

Do your faith to sustain you?

Number 11:4-15; Psalm 81:12-17; Matthew 14:13-21

through
God’s abundance
our need
is filled
even when
it is not
what we expected
and even as we complain
and moan
time
opens
our eyes
and we see
the little
we have
grow
and multiply
as our eyes are opened
to see
the abundance of God
in all things

Do you see the abundance of God?

Feast of the Transfiguration
Dn 7:9-10,13-14; Psalm 97:1-2,5-6,9; 2Peter 1:16-19; Mark 9:2-10

as the day
dawns
and the
morning star
rises
in our hearts
we see
the light
of who
we are
one
with Him
in God’s glory
a gift
of awe
and wonder
of a love
and power
beyond
our imagining
that no word
or thought
can capture

Do you see the transforming light?

Lv 25:1,8-17; Psalm 67:2-8; 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?

Lv 23:1-16,27,34-37; Psalm 81:3-11; Mt.13:54-58

losing sight
in the familiar
we do not see
what is
in front of us
God working
in all of God’s ways
for Good
following
the sacred path
we journey
with others
singing
with joy
to God
who is our help

Where do you see God in the familiar?
Where do you see God in what is in front of you?

Exodus 40:16-21,34-38; Psalm 84:3-6,8,11; Matthew 13:47-53

caught
by Heaven
we have found
our dwelling place
secured
by the one
who has followed us
Spirit guide
of our life
traveling through
the cloud of unknowing
to the light
of faith
our heart
and soul
that cried out
to the living God
has been heard
and answered
in ever surprising ways

Have you been caught by Heaven?
How has God surprised you?

Matthew 13:44-46

we find
a pearl
of great price
in God’s word
leaving all
to follow
what we see
as Truth
not turning back
we are drawn
by the radiance
of God’s presence
and love

What draws you to God?
What calls you to follow?

Matthew 13:36-43

you plant
your seed
within us
your Word
that gives
Life
we tend
its soil
with love
and compassion
yielding
its weeds
to you
for rooting up
and pruning
then offering
first fruits
to the Light
of Glory

Who tends to your heart?
Who harvests your goodness?

Matthew 13:34:35

following
the voice of Truth
given in love
to our minds
and hearts
our small seed
of faith
grows in abundance
fulfilling all
our spiritual needs
with the fruits
of the Holy Spirit
lived out
in our daily life

What seed has been planted in your mind and heart?
What has taken root?
How is it lived out in your daily life?

Kings 3: 5,7-12; Ps: 119: 57, 72, 76-77, 127-130; Romans 8: 28-30; Mt 13: 44-52

not for ourselves
not for long life
not for riches
do we ask
but wisdom
knowing
your revelation
and your light
that all things
work together
for good
in you
we sell
all we have
for your treasure
holding nothing back
you teach
us generosity
we give all
for you
letting you judge
our goodness
from evil
casting out all
that is not
truth
we live
in your mercy
and compassion

What is your heart’s desire?
Do you give yourself completely to God?
How?