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
into the fire-
we live
in your
compassion

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

Exodus 24:3-8; Psalm 50:1-15; Luke 10:38-42

sitting
at His feet
we hear
the words
that relieve
our anxiety
and worry
trusting
in God alone
who provides
through our willingness
to listen
we are blessed
over
and over
through God’s love
and compassion

Do you take time to sit and be still in God’s presence?

Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19:8-11; Matthew 13:18-23

God’s law
rejoices
in our heart
giving us
light and love
for the journey
guiding us
through all
that would cause
unfaithfulness
killing
stealing
bearing false witness
coveting others lives
and possession
creating idols to worship
not honoring parents
not creating Sabbath
the time to be still
and pray
to remember
who we are
and from where
all of God’s love
and goodness flows

Does your heart rejoice in God’s law

Exodus 19:1-20; Daniel 3:52-56; Matthew 13:10-17

through a cloud
of unknowing
through thunderous storms
fire
and trumpet blast
we are overwhelmed
by a higher power
at once
in awe
and fear

we take pause

until a voice
of one who knows
our God
of love
and peace
tells us
who we are
through ears
that can hear
eyes
that can see
hearts
that can know
the heaven
that lives within
and among us

What guides you now?

Exodus 16:1-15; Psalm 78:18-28; Matthew 13:1-9

daily bread
manna
from God
we are nourished
and given
all we need
for the journey
life
from death
we are
the rich soil
ready and waiting
for the seed
of God’s word
to grow
in our lives
protected
from all
that would
scratch
or scorch
we resist
all that would choke out
God’s love
for us
and in us

Do you have ears to hear God’s word?

2 Corinthians 4:7-15

“Brothers and sisters:
We hold this treasure
in earthen vessels,
that the surpassing power
may be of God
and not from us.
We are afflicted
in every way,
but not constrained;
perplexed,
but not driven to despair;
persecuted,
but not abandoned;
struck down,
but not destroyed;
always carrying about
in the body
the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus
may also be manifested
in our body.
For we who live
are constantly being given up
to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus
may be manifested
in our mortal flesh…

Everything indeed is for you,
so that the grace
bestowed in abundance
on more and more people
may cause the thanksgiving
to overflow
for the glory of God.”

Do you see the treasure that you hold?

Exodus 14:5-18; Ex 15:1-6; Matthew 12:38-42

demanding signs
we show
our unfaithfulness
to love
not believing
its ever-presence
in our lives
until the voice
of the transcendent
appears
among us
calling us
to turn
our lives around
and hear
and see
what is
and has always been
among us

What signs of love do you seek?

Wisdom 12:13,16-19; Psalm 86:5-6,9-10,15-16; Romans 8:26-27; Matthew 13:24-43

weeds and wheat
growing within
what harvest
may come
and save
what is good?

a Spirit
that searches
our hearts
knowing the intent
of God’s will for love

a justice
that knows
we must be kind
for power to be shown

a faith
the size
of a mustard seed
that grows into
the tree of life

all answered by wisdom’s grace

Feast of Mary Magdalene

2Cor 5:14-17; Psalm 63:2-9; John 20:11-18

hearing God
call our name
we remember
and recognize
who we are
made from Goodness
made for Goodness
the love of Christ
impels us
what we have longed for
is here
our help
and our joy
our soul clings fast
to what is revealed
while we live
and grow
in the freedom
of God’s word

Do you hear God call your name?

Exodus 11:10-12:14; Psalm 116:12-18; 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?