Jeremiah 18; 18-20; Psalm 31: 5-10; Matthew 20: 17-28

suffering—
servant—
slave—
we recoil
from these words
in our desire
for the comfort
of high places
yet something
calls us
as Goodness
unfolds
devoted
and guided
to its cause
we serve
and strangely
our slavery
to its influence
becomes
our freedom
as we surrender
to the one
we trust
knowing
our spirit is
ever safe
in God’s hands

How do you hear the word servant and slave?

Isaiah 1: 10-20; Psalm 50: 8-23; Matthew 23: 1-12

you say
open
your mind
and your heart
and your soul
to God’s
instruction
learn
what is good
and make
justice-
God’s love
of all-
your own
serve this
love
always
and evil
will cease

How do you serve justice?

Dn 9:4b-10; Psalm 74:8-13; Luke 6:36-38

the measure
of our giving
returns
to us
overflowing
from a God
of abundance
giving all
even as we
see all
of our own transgressions
and sinfulness
we give them
as well
to a mercy
and kindness
that forgives
returning to us
an unfathomable
love

Do you give yourself completely?

Gen: 22:1-2,9-13,15-18; Psalm 116 10,15-19; Rom 8:31-34, Mark 9:2-10

Abraham
man of listening heart
you hear
the sacrifice of the son
and not sparing your own
climb mountains
in faith
not knowing
it was God’s own
to be called–
hard words
for hardened hearts
we recoil at the test
until we know
a God of mercy
whose endless bounds
can see a precious death
unknown to us—
we are taken
to mountain tops
to see life spared
life transfigured
to more
in hearts that can hear
eyes that can see–
what is this we see
in awe
we see a Son
so far beyond
what we can know
light of God
we are called to
listen to Him
risen from the dead
who crucified by human hands
is not destroyed
we offer all…
living body
to living spirit
living love
in Him.

What are you called to sacrifice?
How deeply do you hear your faith?

Dt 26:16-19; Psalm 119:1-8; Matthew 5:43-48

drawn in
by the Holy Spirit
we see
the living Presence
of God
in His law
and command
leaving all
we follow
a way
we barely understand
called
to love our enemy
knowing
it is not of
our own heart
but in the heart
and mind
of God

How can you love your enemy?
Do you hear it as a call from God?

Ez 18: 21-28; Psalm 130: 1-8; Matthew 5: 20-26

you call us
to a greater
good
higher
than we can imagine
leaving
our fuel
of anger
to one
of compassion
virtue
our choice
for life
or death
living
in the
consequences
of grace
we enter
the impossible
forgiving
and forgiven
where we are saved

How do you leave your anger?
How do you forgive?
Do you live in the consequence of grace?

Feast of St. Peter
1Peter 5:1-4; Psalm 23:1-6; Matthew 16:13-19

we come
to the church
of mercy
and dwell
within its house
tasting
the goodness
of God
we are rested
and refreshed
goodness
and kindness
are shown to us
we willingly
and eagerly
serve the love
we have found here
in this church
of mercy
where all are welcome

Have you found the church of mercy?

Jonah 3: 1-10; Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Luke 11: 29-32

a word
is spoken
from a
reluctant voice
to turn
from evil ways
and avoid
destruction
with contrite hearts
we turn to the One
who calls
we hear
we listen
we respond
and are saved

What do we do with our salvation?

Isaiah 55:10-11; Psalm 34: 4-7; 16-19; Matthew 6: 7-15

God’s word
upon us
bearing fruit
we are radiant
with joy
as hearts
are healed
and our crushed spirit
saved
we know
who we are
and enter
God’s will
we receive
and give
our daily bread
forgiving all
resisting evil
all by
God’s grace

Do you know who you are?

Lv 19: 1-2, 11-18; Psalm 19: 8-15; Matthew 25: 31-46

God’s words
are spirit
and life
showing us
the way
to go
in thought
in words
and deeds
seeing God
in every need
of hunger
thirst
welcoming
clothing
caring
and compassion
showing
no partiality
justice
is God’s love
for all

Where do you see Him?