Sleep when you’re tired

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Jesus being awakened during a tempest
on the Sea of Galilee,
from a Mir’at al-quds of
Father Jerome Xavier
(Spanish, 1549–1617)

A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.
Mark 4:37-38a

When events disrupt my serenity, overwhelm me with sorrow, flood me with anxiety, and challenge my faith, I need to ask God to help me, rest, eat, and stay in touch with loved ones.

Today I will take care of myself even when the storms of life distress me.

Give thanks

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Beit Sahur and Bethlehem. Harvesting.
Between 1898 and 1946

It is good to give thanks to the LORD. Psalm 92:2a

Gratitude lifts me out of self-pity, focuses me on the moment, helps me let go of fear, brings me awareness of God’s limitless kindness and abundant gifts.

Today I will practice gratitude for God’s goodness and generosity and give thanks to the Lord.

Call on the Lord

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I call on the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:13b

No matter what is happening in the world, in my country, in my community, in my personal life: God is in charge.

Today I will remember to keep God in the center of my life. I will call on the Lord when I am experiencing stress, confusion, or pain. I will remember to thank God for God’s unfailing presence.

With us

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[Jesus said,] “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b

In fear, illness, sorrow, the Lord is with me. In joy, laughter, companionship, the Lord is with me. In loneliness, rejection, suffering, the Lord is with me.

Whatever I experience, wherever I am, the Lord is with me.

Today I will remember the Lord is with me, showing me the path to love and unity.

The Spirit of truth

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Pentecost

[Jesus said,] “But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” John 16:13

The truth is that when I love and treat others with patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, then I am filled with the Spirit of God.

Today I will let God’s Spirit guide me in all my interactions.

Pray in love

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Women in Prayer, 2021

God is love, and whoever abides in love
abides in God and God in him. 1 John 4:16b

I abide in love when I treat others with compassion, patience, and respect. I abide in love when I graciously receive help or kindness from another. I abide in love when I spend quiet time in prayer with the Lord—alone or with others.

Today I will pray to be filled with God’s kindness and patience. I will pray to give and receive love wherever I go.

Simply love

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Helping Hand

Jesus said to his disciples, “This I command you: love one another.” John 15:17

I count 18 instances of the word “love” in today’s readings.

The message is very clear.

Today I choose love in its many forms: listening attentively to others, speaking respectfully to everyone I encounter, helping someone in need, thanking others for their help, treating all people with kindness and courtesy, refraining from gossip and negative criticism, rejoicing in the beauty of creation, spending quiet time alone with the Lord.

Entwined with love

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Famous grape vine in Montecito, 1876
New York Public Library

“Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine, you are the branches.”
John 15:4-5a

Our lives are entwined with the Lord. God’s love supports us, feeds us, guides us, inspires us.

Today I choose to remain in kindness and compassion.

Formed by love

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Palestine shepherd
laying the sheep on his shoulders
First World War

See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. 1 John 3a

Each of us is a beloved child of God, created by God’s love for the purpose of sharing God’s love with everyone we encounter.

What prevents me from recognizing myself and others as children of the God of love?

Let’s accept peace

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Fritz von Uhde (1848-1911)
Der Gang nach Emmaus
pastel on paper, 1891
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

[Jesus] stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36b

Peace is a gift from the Lord.

May I let go of worry, efforts to control others, fear of the future, dissatisfaction with the present, resentment, and blame.

Today may I graciously accept the Lord’s gift of peace.