In one Spirit of love and peace

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Ed de Guzman
Pentecost
gouache on special paper, 2014

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22

Touched by the flames of God’s passion, drawn into intimacy by Jesus’ breath, we are filled and fulfilled by the Holy Spirit who guides us in our efforts to communicate with all people of every race, nationality, culture, and way of life in the universal language of love.

Today I will spend time to discern the spiritual gifts I have been given by God. I will ask the Holy Spirit to guide me to use these gifts to help renew the face of our fragile earth. I will embody the good news of God’s peace, love, and unity wherever I may be, whatever I may do.

Glorify God

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James Tissot (1836-1902)
Ascension of Jesus
gouache over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

Jesus said, “Father, I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.” John 17:4

Taking refuge in the love of the Lord, we find the courage to give glory to God by embodying the way of Jesus in love and service to our neighbors. Making good use of our unique gifts and talents, we give glory to God by helping to bring about God’s vision of love, peace, and unity for our world one act of kindness at a time.

Today I will trust I am safe in the heart of God. I will give glory to God by offering my peaceful, encouraging presence to someone who is ill, lonely, or afraid.

The Spirit of Love

Frank Wesley (1923-2002)
Churinga (pure light, glory of God)

Jesus said, “Whoever has my commandments and observes them is the one who loves me.” John 14:21a

Jesus teaches us that the greatest and first commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind. The second is to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). When I observe these commandments, I live and move and have my being in the heart of God.

Today I will ask the Holy Spirit to guide me as I practice loving God, myself, and my neighbor with kindness, gentleness, and reverence.

The way

Frank Wesley (1923-2002)
Stephen Feeding the Poor, Acts 6:3, 5

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6

When I wonder what to do with my life, I look to Jesus as my teacher and model. I follow his way of noticing and greeting others with kindness and respect. I learn to offer a warm smile, a listening ear, an encouraging word, and to be a healing, peaceful presence.

I follow the way of Jesus by forgiving those who have hurt me. I learn to choose mercy over condemnation, reconciliation over resentment, unity over divisiveness.

I follow the way of Jesus by spending quiet time with God. I make the choice to put my faith in God’s wisdom and guidance. I learn to keep love at the center of my life.

Today I will ask for the grace to put my trust in the Lord and follow his way of love and compassion.

Follow the voice of love

Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937)
Good Shepherd

Jesus said, “The sheep follow the shepherd, because they recognize his voice.” John 10:4b

The voice of love never condemns, ridicules, blames, sneers, derides, or disrespects. The voice of love encourages, sustains, and comforts. Our hearts always recognize and respond humbly to the voice of love even when it gently points out our mistakes, weaknesses, or shortcomings.

Today I will remember the Lord of love is my shepherd. I will listen for the voice of love, peace, and reconciliation and follow it. I will practice imitating the Lord’s voice of love in all of my interactions so that all people feel safe and welcome in my presence.

Walk with the Lord

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

And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. Luke 24:15-16

Jesus draws near and walks with us in every moment. Our wounds, worries, obsessions, shame, fear, or pride may prevent us from recognizing his peaceful presence. We can learn to take quiet moments to calm our minds and open our eyes, ears, and hearts to see, hear, and know the presence of the Lord with, in, and around us.

Today I will practice awareness of the present moment. I will quiet my thoughts and listen for the peaceful voice of Jesus. I will ask him to show me the path of life and love.

Wounded but whole

Guercino (1591-1666)
Doubting Thomas
oil on canvas, 1621
Residenzgalerie Salzburg

Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” John 20:26-27

The wounds we have experienced—wounds of betrayal, wounds of injustice, wounds of physical, sexual, mental, emotional, or spiritual abuse—are nothing to be ashamed of. They can transform us into new beings of compassion, patience, kindness, humility, faith, and hope. Our wounds do not define us; our identity is, always has been, and always will be beloved of God.

Today I will gently examine the wounds I bear and open my heart to believe in and know God’s everlasting love and healing. I will ask Jesus to show me how to transform the pain I have experienced into a deeper understanding of others’ suffering.

Joy, hope, and peace

Frank Wesley (1923-2002)
Altar of God – John 20:1-18

Jesus met Mary Magdalene and the other Mary on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.” Matthew 28:9-10

Jesus meets us where we are—in every moment, in all circumstances—and reminds us not to be afraid. He is with us now and always, sustaining us, guiding us, accompanying us on the path of love. There is nothing to fear.

Today I will put my fears into God’s care and live in the joy, hope, and peace of the Resurrection.

Thy will, not mine

Adriaan de Weerdt (ca. 1510 – ca. 1590)
oil and tempera on panel
first half 16th century
National Museum in Warsaw

Jesus advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39

At times God’s will that we love God, ourselves, and our neighbor leads us into challenging, lonely, or frightening situations. The example of Jesus shows us we can trust that God sustains us no matter what we face—and that following the Way of Love is the path to deep spiritual healing.

Today I will empty myself and open my mind and heart to know and carry out God’s will.

Untie the bonds of fear

James Tissot (1836-1902)
La résurrection de Lazare
gouache over graphite on gray wove paper
between 1896 and 1904
Brooklyn Museum

So Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go.” John 11:44

The Spirit of God dwells in us to guide us on the way to life and freedom. The way is mercy, humility, trust in God’s will, and faith in the power of love and compassion. We have the power within us to choose life and be freed from all that hinders us from claiming our birthright as beloved children of God.

Today I will ask the Spirit of God in me to remove the stones that close me off from love. I will ask the Spirit to help me untie the bonds of fear, indifference, and low self-esteem that prevent me from revealing my true nature of love and goodness in the world.