Think of
our world, when someone rises to power, fame, fortune the last thing they want
to do is let go of control, step out of the spotlight, and turn things over to
someone else i.e. Mr. Trump and to be fair many others. Yet, that is exactly
what John the Baptist does. He is “the man” all eyes are focused on him, he has
center stage and yet once Jesus enters John is willing to step out of the
bright lights and let Jesus take over.
Today we
celebrate the birth of John the Baptist. We remember his coming into the world
and how he was dedicated from conception to be the forerunner, the announcer of
Jesus’ presence in the world. From the very beginning John knows that at some
point his presence will no longer be necessary, his mission will be completed
and he will have to decrease.
Remembering
John the Baptist reminds us of our challenge to live as prophets, as disciples
of Jesus. Life is not about us and if we take on the journey of discipleship,
of proclaiming the presence of God we too will all be called to decrease so
that God can increase.
Yes, our
feast today reminds us that like John the Baptist, we too are wonderfully made
so let us praise God with the living of our life today so that like John we can
be ready to proclaim God’s presence to whomever we encounter!
Have a
great Friday and may you receive many blessings in the spirit of John the
Baptist today and always!
Daily
Prayer: O
God, it is hard sometimes to believe that you are really present in this world
of ours. But with the help of your grace we do believe it! So in the spirit of
your faithful prophet, John the Baptist today, please help us to live our life
in such a way that it will be easier for others to recognize you. When we find
doubt, help us to bring a little light. Where we find discouragement, let us be
a ray of hope in the darkness. To those who feel estranged and alienated from
you and your Church, let us be like a bridge and when we encounter people who
have been hurt or feel misunderstood, grace us with the wisdom to leave only
the imprint of your healing love and compassion. Loving God, wherever we
go and to whomsoever we meet, help us to be an instrument of your compassion,
love and peace. Amen. (Adapted from a prayer by Sr. Bernice Kuper, S.P.)
A
Runner’s Thoughts: Samuel Shoemaker once said, “Prayer may not change
things for you, but it for sure changes you for things.” Let's make our next
run a prayer and allow ourselves to be changed!
Daily
Blessing:
Friday greetings and blessings and happy Feast of the Birth of John the Baptist!
I hope everyone’s day has started off well. We begin the day here in Covington
with clouds but the sun should come out by the afternoon. I hope the sun is
shining wherever you are and that you are moving about today with a lively step
and a hopeful purpose. If not, I pray that your day will get better!
We enter
our sixth day of retreat here at St. Joseph Heights in Covington, KY. The
sisters on retreat continue to have a good spirit and I look forward to another
day of journeying with them. Please continue to keep the sisters in your
prayers and if you can afford an extra prayer for their preacher it would be
greatly appreciated.
I pray
for God’s blessings today upon you, your work, your ministry, those whom you
meet and those whom you love! May you enjoy the places you go to, the people
you encounter and the experiences that you have and also know that as you
journey through this day you are in my prayers!
Remember,
“Seek God and you will find God and every good thing as well!” (Meister
Eckhart) May you be rich in the spirit of John the Baptist today. Peace in
Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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