Presence

The more we call on God, the more we can feel God’s presence. Day by day we are drawn closer to the loving heart of God.

Freedom

Lord, may I never take the gift of freedom for granted.
You gave me the great blessing of freedom of spirit.
Fill my spirit with Your peace and Your joy.

Consciousness

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the cares of this world.
At times like these may I be aware
of the comfort of your Presence,
Your infinite love for me.

The Word of God

¹⁹This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” ²⁰He confessed and did not deny it, but he confessed, “I am not the Messiah.”^{, 21}And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” ²²Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” ²³He said,

“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ ”

as the prophet Isaiah said.

²⁴Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. ²⁵They asked him, “Why, then, are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” ²⁶John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, ²⁷the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal.” ²⁸This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.

Inspiration

On most of the occasions when we meet John the Baptist in the gospel stories, we tend to be struck by how forthright and consistent he is.   Even in the way he answers the questions put to him by the Jews in today’s passage, we can see that he does not cloud the issue. They ask, ‘Who are you and what’s your business?’ He tells them straight out, ‘I’m not the one you should be surveying, but I’m here to prepare a way for the saviour.’  John points towards Jesus and the path he is laying out. For those prepared to listen, it is as clear a signpost as one could wish for.

Conversation

Conversation requires talking and listening.
As I talk to Jesus may I also learn to be still and listen.
I picture the gentleness in His eyes
and the smile full of love as He gazes on me.
I can be totally honest with Jesus as I tell Him of my worries and my cares.
I will open up my heart to Him as I tell Him of my fears and my doubts.
I will ask Him to help me to place myself fully in His care,
to abandon myself to Him,
knowing that He always wants what is best for me.

Conclusion

Filled with the loving presence of God,
I ask Him to bless me and guide my steps
as I go to do His work in my daily life.

Amen