THURSDAY, June 24 The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Luke 1:57-80. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David...that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.

We are all lonely. God has made each one of us to be different. No one has ever looked out upon this life with my eyes. No one can enter my world, except for a little way by sympathy. No one can bear my burdens. Not even my dearest ones understand the whole of me. I do not understand myself. Here I stand upon this ball of earth speeding through space, surrounded by my brothers and sisters, yet, like some bewildered child upon the city streets, a solitary, lonely being.

Where shall we find the answer to our loneliness? In the presence of God. Jesus once said to his disciples, "I am not alone because the Father is with me" (John 16:32). The man who keeps himself continually in God's promised presence is never lonely. True worship brings us together out of our loneliness and makes us at home in the companionship of God our Father. Therefore we can sing with real joy: "Blessed be the Lord God...for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them." (1937)

PRAY for the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough (Dublin, Ireland)

Ps 85 or 85:7-13; Isaiah 40:1-11; Acts 13:14b-26

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

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Jun 24, 2010 at 7:30 am

Written by Joan Dunbar,

Thank you for searching the archives and sharing today's meditation. I printed it out and shared it with my husband. He agreed with me in that the thoughts of this small paragraph ring so true.
JMD

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Jun 24, 2010 at 8:20 am

Written by Pamela,

Today's meditation speaks very profoundly to me for I recall at least two occasions when I was grieving the loss of important people in my life. Friends and family, although they had expressed deep sympathy for me, moved on, and I was left alone. Only God stayed behind.

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Jun 24, 2010 at 8:43 am

Written by Diane,

I loved this so much. "No one has ever looked out upon this life with my eyes." How clear, then, that the best person for me to turn to is the Lord. Thank you.

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Jun 24, 2010 at 9:31 am

Written by Barbara Summers,

Excellent message--only God knows us completely. Thanks for sharing.

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Editor, Forward Day by Day

Jun 24, 2010 at 9:38 am

Written by Richard H. Schmidt,

Thank you all for those comments. It cheers our hearts in this office to hear from readers who appreciate our efforts. God bless all of you.

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Jun 24, 2010 at 12:27 pm

Written by Pat in Denver,

Archived items are fine, BUT a little updating would help. "The MAN who keeps himself..." Sorry, I am really offended!

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sorry, I'm offended

Jun 24, 2010 at 12:30 pm

Written by Pat in Denver,

I agree some of these archived items are gems, but I wish the editors, whoever they may be, would do a little checking for insensitive language. "The MAN who keeps HIMself in God's promised presence..." unnacceptable

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Jun 24, 2010 at 2:22 pm

Written by jwm,

Pat. Are you also offended by God our Father?

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