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?

2Cor 4:7-15; Psalm 126:1-6; Matthew 20:20-28

given freedom
we rejoice
as though
dreaming
having sown
and toiled
in tears
we are filled
with laughter
and joy
for though
afflicted
perplexed
persecuted
and struck down
we have not
been constrained
abandoned
destroyed
or left in despair
we are raised up
by the God
who raised him
our treasure
found
in these
earthen vessels

Where do you find freedom?

Matthew 13:18-23

sower
of seed
you seek
the fertile heart
open
to your word
where love
can take root
and bear fruit
not snatched away
in lack
of understanding
fallen away
amidst trial
or choked away
in the thorns
of the worlds’s anxiety
but pruned
and tended
with a love
not our own

Do you have an open heart?
How does God’s word take root in your heart?

Jeremiah 2:1-3,7-8,12-13; Psalm 36; Matthew 13:10-17

in your light
we see
light
the place
of mercy
the place
of justice
the place
of love
source
of the living waters
we enter
a garden
full of the hope
in faithfulness
to your word
nourishing us
with daily bread

By what light do you see?

Feast of Mary Magdalene
John 20:1-2; 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?

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?

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?

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 is answered by wisdom’s grace

Do you trust the harvester of good?
Do you experience the power of mercy and grace?

Mi 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?

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?