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?
Who is your family?

Micah 6:1-4;6-8; Psalm 150; Matthew 12:38-42

we seek
no sign
only
to do
the right
love goodness
and walk
humbly
with our God

What do you seek?

Genesis 18: 1-10; Psalm 15: 2-5; Col 1:24-28; Luke 10; 38-42

mystery
of Christ
we want
to entertain you
with our hospitality
and good works
unable to hear
your words
in our doing
we become lost
to the one thing
required–
at your feet
we listen
and hear All
as the love of God
fills us
from this new life
within
justice springs forth
we are completed in you
even in our suffering
there is joy
as all our works
are from you
Truth
in our heart
we harm
nor use another
we turn from evil
and live
only in your presence

Do you become lost in our doing?
Do you enter this stillness at the feet of Christ?
Do you act from the center of God’s presence?

Matthew 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
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?

Isaiah 26:7-9,12,16-19; Psalm 102:13-14 and 15, 16-18,19-21, Matthew 11:28-30

looking down
from a holy height
our suffering
and groanings
are 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 hear the voice and follow?

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?

Isaiah 7:1-9: Psalm 48:2-8; Matthew 11:20-24

standing
greater
than all
of our deeds
our power
or kings
is the one
who owns
our breath
and judges
where we stand
firm in our faith
or not
reaping
what we have sown
exalted
or torn down
we tremble
in our choices
for life
or death

Do you tremble in your choices?
What do you fear the most?
What do you fear the least?

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 family
festival
or ceremony
only the justice
of His love
caring
compassion
giving
and forgiving
of one another
a sacrifice
of praise

Do you see God’s love of all as justice?
How do you experience God’s love and justice?

Dt. 30:1-14; Psalm 69:14-37; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10: 25-37

before all else
beyond all else
within all
there is Christ
image of
the invisible God
we are in awe
at the thought–
the reality
of Him
makes us soar
as we see
from mountaintops
all that is
and our hearts
are brought
to love–
God’s law
written within
we love
with all our heart
and soul
and strength
and mind
alive
within us
we proclaim
from our lips
as we travel roads
with this love
answering the need
for mercy
to all
who are in need

How do you experience Christ who is before, beyond and within all?
Do you take God’s law of love into your heart?
Do you take this love to your neighbor?