Memorial of John the Baptist

Mark 6:17-19

in fear
of another’s thoughts
and opinion
we do
what we do not wish
disregarding
the voice
of Wisdom
within
that asks for pause
and contemplation
of our greatest gift
of undying love
capable
of reaching
beyond enmity
creating a peace
that only heaven
knows

Do you pause to hear Wisdom’s voice?
Do you trust what you hear?
Do you dare to love your enemy?

1Cor 1:17-25; Psalm 33:1-5,10-11; Matthew 25:1-13

what wisdom
in this cross
this crucified one
this Son of God
accepting
a death
in a silence
beyond
our ways
of knowing
appearing foolish
as we seek
escape
yet
standing ready
at the door
in faith
His love
appears again
as our hearts
are opened
and flooded
with the light
of God’s love
eternal

Is the door of your heart opened God’s light and love?

Cor 1:1-9; Psalm 145:2-7; Matthew 24:42-51

we hear
His words
to stay awake
for His coming
is now
in every
spiritual gift
given
day to day
for our blessing
and blessing others
with God’s goodness
imparted to us
as we sing
of God’s justice
and mercy
kindness
compassion
and love
never giving up hope
in God’s presence

Are you awake to God’s word?
Does God’s word bless your day?
Do you bless others?

Matthew 23:27-32

you search us
you know us
there is
nowhere
to run
or fly
or hide
from your love
shining
into the dark tomb
of us
you bring
Light
to where
there was
none
enlightened
we see
what has always been
what will always be
a pure love
and we lay down
our arms
and live
in your mercy
goodness
and kindness

Where do you try to run and hide?
Have you experienced his light shining within you?
Have you laid down your arms?

2Thes 2:1-3,14-17; Psalm 96:10-13; Matthew 23:23-26

God’s word
living and effective
discerns
the reflections
and thoughts
of our heart
cleansed
within
and without
our vision
is cleared
we are set free
to see God’s love
at work in the world
encouraged
day by day
through grace
we turn away from blind guides
and serve the God of love

Is God’s word living and effective in your love?
What do you serve?

Revelations 21:9b-14; Psalm 145:10-18; John 1:45-51

leaving
our fear
and anxiety
we come
and see
the One
with no
duplicity
and are
witness
to the
undivided heart
that sees
the glory
and splendor
of God
the angels
among us
at work
we behold
we listen
we follow
and give thanks

Can you let go of fear and anxiety?
Do you experience the glorious splendor of God?

Isaiah 22:15,19-23; Psalm 138: 1-8; Romans 11: 33-36; Mt 16: 13-20

like a peg
in a sure spot
our love
is secure
in the living God
asked
who we are
we see
our own
salvation
and follow
surely
securely
in this love
freely given
not forsaking
the hands
that have made us
but trusting
and giving thanks

How do you think God sees you?
Who do you say Jesus is?

Ez 43:1-7; Psalm 85:9-14; Matthew 23:1-12

God’s glory
shown
our spirit
lifted
a voice
speaks
of a peace
and kindness
we long for
not shrouded
in formality
as a heavy burden
but in the freedom
found
in the love
and care
of one another
this
is what we serve

Do you experience the freedom of God’s love in another?

Matthew 22: 34-40

loving God
with our whole heart
our whole soul
our whole mind
we love
our neighbor
as ourselves
through this
all law
is fulfilled
our eyes
are opened
our ears hear
we are
at peace

What is love?

Ez 36:23-28; Psalm 51:12-19; Matthew 22:1-14

our vision
cleared
we regain
our sight
and hearts
of stone
become
hearts of flesh
love
returns
as the Spirit
dressed
in Truth
guides
our completion
no longer
subject
to cruelty
we live
in the Presence
of compassion

Do you have a heart of compassion?