Ez 2:8-3:4; Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103,111, 131; Matthew 18:1-14

know what it is
to be a child
lost in the wonder
of the world
always a beginning
as each thing
presents itself
to our senses
yet easily lost
in our wanderings
we seek guidance
from one who knows
the way
rejoicing
when we are found
by the one
who love us
the most
believing
the promises
with child like faith
we open our hearts
with trust
knowing
instinctively
that there is no other way

Do you know what it is to be a child?
Do you trust the promises of the ones who love you?

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

tiny
whisper
we hear
you

the soft
kiss
of peace
and justice
for those
who
walk
the waters
fearlessly
in buoyed
faith
towards
the Christ
who waits
calming
the storms

struck
with belief
in the power
of His presence
we are saved

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

Jer 30:-2, 12-22; Psalm 102:16-23; Mt 13:22-36

from the mountaintop
of prayer
you come
to us
in troubled waters
and lift us up
above the storm
into a love
that has the power
to carry us
and calm the sea
as we
let go of our fear
and enter
the realm of courage

What do you do with your fear?
Where do you find courage?

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?

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

open hand
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?

Jeremiah 26:11-15,24; Psalm 69:15-16,30-31,33-34; Matthew 14:1-12

our hearts
revived
in God’s Presence
our prayers
are answered
and we see
a great love
where our soul
is safe
not taken in
by lies
or deception
we stand firm
with His words
of life
and love
and compassion

Are you safe in the great love of God?

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola

“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory,
my understanding,
and my entire will
— all that I have
and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours;
do with it what you will.
Give me only your love
and your grace.
That is enough for me.”

-Ignatius of Loyola

Jeremiah 18:1-6; Psalm 146: 1-2,3-4,5-6; Matthew 13:47-53

in God’s hands
we are clay
fashioned
by a Will
and Spirit
for good
putting not
our trust
in princes
and men
for salvation
but in the Presence
we have come
to know
as the God of love
our Creator
and Savior

How do you experience your creator?
How do you experience being clay in the potter’s hands?

Luke 10:38-42

recollected
in the Presence
of God
we are
radiant
with His love
and His word
knowing
where
our value is
we leave
our anxiety
and worry
and choose
to follow the One
who gives
us Life
and Truth

What do you choose?

Jeremiah 14:17-22; Psalm 79: 8-13; 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?