Solemnity of John the Baptist
Luke 1:57-66,80

formed
in our mother’s womb
we know
who we are
as we are called
into the light
and named
by the one who loves us
we embrace
the journey
of our lives
with all of its mystery
joys and sorrows
being lead
through our questions
that are answered
through God’s love

What are your questions?
Who answers?
What has God asked of you?

Job 38:1. 8-11; Ps 107: 23-31; Cor 5: 14-17; Mark 4: 35-41

awakening
a new
creation
in me
He calms
the raging storms
that fill
my heart
with fear
and darkness–
I see
His works
and wonders
in the abyss
and stand
in wonder
and awe
of the power
and mystery
that is
beyond me
giving thanks
for His
everlasting
love

Do you experience the power of this mystery?
Do you experience the power of this faith?
Has he calmed the raging sea in your heart?

2Chr 24:17-26; Psalm 89:4-34; Matthew 6:24-34

serving idols
we lose our way
given over
to worry
of what we are
to eat
and drink
and wear
lost in tomorrow
we have forgotten
who we are today
in this kingdom of God
made for love
and kindness
sharing
and giving
we have become
hoarders
and possessed
by what we own
divided by our thoughts
and ideologies
as we seek power
not seeing what unites us
only what divides
until He comes
to remind us who we are
and opens our minds
to another way
where all is forgiven
and a new path
to love begins

What are the idols in your life?
What opens up God’s love in your life?
What is the kingdom of God

Matthew 6: 19-23

heaven
among us
we seek
our treasure there
not in things
where moth
and decay
destroy
or thieves
steal
but in love
and joy
and peace
eternal
patience
kindness
generosity
and compassion
the fruits
of heaven
given
freely
to all

Where does your treasure lie?
Do you find your treasure in the Light of Christ?

Sirach 48:1-14; Psalm 97:1-7; Matthew 6:7-15

words
of fire
come
that illuminate
the mind
and hearts
of those who hear
we pray
to our God
for the kingdom
of heaven
to come to us
to receive
our daily bread
to forgive all
as we are forgiven
to be delivered from evil
and let peace
settle
in our hearts
and upon the earth

What words of fire come to you?
What is your daily bread?
How do you give and receive forgiveness?

2Kings 2:1,6-14; Psalm 31:20,21,24; Matthew 6:1-6,16-18

we go
to the inner room
of our heart
and shut the door
and pray
to the one
who knows us
and sees
all of our needs
no longer
trying to impress
or perform for others
we give
and receive
through His love
and mercy
and grace
true source
of our being
our hearts
take comfort
in God’s constant presence
and loving care

What do you hear in your inner room?
Do you experience God’s constant presence and loving care?

1Kings 21:17-29; Psalm 51: 3-6,11,16; Matthew 5:43-48

as the sun rises
on all
so it is
with God’s love
as justice
with no measure
but that we see
and respond
to the gift
given
seeking
the good
of All
friend
and enemy
we pray
into the light
where there is hope
compassion
and mercy
for each one

How do you respond to the outpouring of God’s love?
How do you love your enemy?

Matthew 5:38-42

resisting not evil
we refuse to engage
to participate
and empower
the force
of destruction within
and around us
compelled
by another
a greater good
we offer ourselves
to life
letting go
of all
that would keep us
from God’s love
and grace
we embrace
another reality
embedded
within our own
a clear vision
of Truth
enlightened
by the one who knows that
no evil
no extra mile
no hardship
or affliction
can separate us
from God’s love

How does God’s love change your mind?

Ez 17:27-24; Psalm 92:2-3,13-16; 2 Cor 5:6-10; Mark 4:26-31

a seed sown
taking root
in God’s time
grows
past our limits
into fullness
holding all of life
sacred
within it
even in old age
bearing fruit
its branches rejoice
and proclaim
goodness
to the dawn
we walk
in the faith
of the planted seed

Do you have faith in planted seed?
Where does your faith take root?

1Kings 19:19-21; Psalm 16:1-10; Matthew 5:33-37

saying yes
when we mean yes
and no
when we mean no
we follow
God’s counsel
with God’s love
set ever before us
knowing
who we are
we leave all
behind
and enter
God’s joy
abiding
in the confidence
of His Presence

Do you say yes when you mean yes and no when you mean no?
To what do you say “yes”?
To what do you say “no”?