This is the first of two special episodes for Rogationtide, which we mark on the three days preceding the Ascension. This year, that is May 15, 16, and 17. These are Scriptures and prayers especially oriented towards the good of Creation, God's favor and providence on display to us in the grace of harvests, and the hope of the restoration of all creation together through Christ, and the glory that has already begun to be revealed through him in his Resurrection. The texts for this episode are Deuteronomy 11:10-15, Psalm 147, Romans 8:18-25, and Mark 4:26-32. We also read Gerard Manley Hopkins poem, "Pied Beauty" -- Glory to God for dappled things!

A guide to praying with the virtual lectio can be found here.