John the Baptist Preaching
And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value. Philippians 1:9
To prepare the Way of the Lord, I deliberately practice the qualities love wherever I find myself.
Patience. Kindness. Forbearance. Trust. Hope. Reverence. Humility. Gratitude. Compassion.
Today I will choose to love.
Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931)
Sketch for “Jesus the Son of Man”, 1923
graphite and watercolor on paper
Metropolitan Museum of Art
As members of the human family, we are interconnected, entwined with the One who made us in love and for love.
Made in God’s image of love and goodness, we are called to take on the nature of God, called to be love and goodness in the world, called to “live in Love’s energy and to love goodness.”
Today I will practice love by looking for goodness in everyone I meet.
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all. 1 Thessalonians 3:12a
Love heals. Love reconciles. Love unifies.
Love teaches me patience, kindness, forbearance, acceptance, hope, trust.
Today I will live in love’s energy so that I too may be a faithful witness.
Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:5
James Moriarty
Fig Tree in Spring, 2005
Everyone I talk to has something difficult to bear: the death of someone dear to them, grave illness in the family, loss of income, oppressive work conditions, the lessening of physical abilities, coping with addiction.
Add to that rampant anti-Semitism, racism, prejudice, selfishness, greed, and indifference to the poor, homeless, refugees, and immigrants—and the world seems unsafe, unloving, and ready to implode.
It is a time of terrible grief where anger, blame, and depression dominate.
Today I will be a part of God’s vision of love and compassion. I will offer comfort and kindness to everyone I meet because I know we are all grieving something.
I set the LORD ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Psalm 16:8
Common or Corn Poppy
Sometimes it seems that what I have to offer God and my neighbor is woefully inadequate, but I cannot compare my offering to that of others. Each day I must do my best to give all that I have to those in need—energy, love, kindness, compassion, listening, encouragement, and especially my presence.
Calling his disciples to himself, [Jesus] said to them, “Amen, I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the other contributors to the treasury. For they have all contributed from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has contributed all she had, her whole livelihood.” Mark 12:43-44
If I make the effort to love just one person today, I will help dissipate the anger, hate, and violence in our world.
Lord, help me to be a part of the solution to the divisions in our world, country, communities, and families.
Jesus replied, “The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
The second is this:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12: 29-31
Carl Bloch (1834-1890)
Healing of the Blind Man, 1871
If the Lord asked me what I wanted him to do for me, I’d want to see, too. See with my heart. See with love. See with compassion. See how I could use my gifts and talents to be of help and service to others.
And then… be love, be compassion, be of service.
Jesus said to [Bartimaeus] in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Mark 10:51
