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 does God ask of you?

Genesis 12: 1-9; Psalm 33: 12-22; Mt 7: 1-5

speak
the truth
and set
it free
not with judgment
but with vision
setting a path
to a promised land
where
all needs
are met
in kindness
generosity
and gentleness
when
the violence
of greed
is left behind

Have you left the violence of greed?
Do you judge yourself before you judge another?
How do you follow His words not to judge?

Genesis 14: 18-20; Psalm 110: 1-4; Corinthians 11:23-26; Luke 9: 11-17

eyes
raised up
to heaven
 blessing
 our scarcity
we become
enough
through His life
to feed ourselves
and others
 through His love
as a new covenant
is written in our hearts
we remember
who we are
in our hunger
we are fed by Him
in the bread we eat
in the cup we drink
and
the life we share

Do you see God’s love in every meal?
Do you share God’s love through all you do?

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?

Matthew 6: 7-15

faithful
in Christ
we pray
to our father
in heaven
whose name
is holy
whose will
shall be done
on earth
as in heaven
who gives
our daily bread
who forgives
as we forgive
who leads us not
into temptation
but delivers us
from evil
to our God
whose love
is justice
and truth
we give thanks

Do you give thanks for all things?
Do you forgive everything?

2Cor 9:6-11; Psalm 112:1-9; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

hearts prepared
by grace
we give
cheerfully
from all God
has given
knowing
we have all
we need
scattering seed
sowing abundantly
with no need for show
or reward
only doing
what needs to be done
to care
for God’s world

Are you grateful in all things?
Do you give cheerfully?

2Cor 8:1-9; Psalm 146: 2-9; Matthew 5: 43-48

giving
themselves
first to God
they experienced
joy
and generosity
flowing
even through
their poverty
and affliction
and the miracle
of love
even of enemies
and prayer
for persecutors
for this
we praise
and keep faith
in the Lord
who gives
justice
as love

How do you love your enemies?

2Cor 6:1-10; Psalm 98:1-4; Matthew 5:38-42

now
is the time
to live beyond
our vengeance
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
no evil
no extra mile
no hardship
or affliction
can separate us
from God’s love

How does God’s love change your mind?

Proverbs 8:22-31; Psalm 8:4-9; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15

finding delight
in your creation
I find you
creator God
Spirit of Truth
beloved of humanity
from who we receive
our strength
and hope
and love
that endures
through all affliction
and shows us
the path of Life
through
this mystery
of three
yet undivided
mind and heart

How do you experience the Trinity?
Is God your delight?

“In you we live and move and have our being”.
Acts 17:28