Monthly Archives: September 2022

Pay attention

Hans Leonhard Schäufelein (c.1480–1540)/Adam Petri (1454-1527
The Rich Man in Hell and the Poor Lazarus in Abraham’s Lap, from Das Plenarium
woodcut, 1517

Jesus said to the Pharisees: “Abraham replied [to the rich man], ‘Between us and you a great chasm is established.’” Luke 16:26

The great chasm is a lack of awareness. The rich man never noticed Lazarus. He didn’t notice Lazarus’ hunger, illness, pain — he wasn’t aware of his presence at all.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to pay attention to the people we encounter at home, at work, in the community, around the world. We are called to honor the dignity of all people and serve everyone in a respectful manner.

Today I will consciously take notice of the people I encounter. I will offer everyone a kind word and a listening ear.

God in the center

A.N. Mironov (1975-)
Parable of the Unjust Steward‎
Oil on canvas, 2012

[Jesus said,] “‘No one can serve two masters.” Luke 16:13a

Some nights the pain in my joints seems to take over my whole being, and it takes a while to come back to myself and pray for help. It’s times like these that remind me it’s easy for me to remove God from the center of my universe. Social media, my smart phone, a resentment I’m carrying, a task I need to perform, pain… anything can become an idol when I focus my energy and attention on it.

Today I will consciously put God in the center of my life by talking everything over with the Lord. I will remember God is love, compassion, wisdom, and always present to help me in difficult moments.

Not lost

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
The Return of the Prodigal Son
drawing with pen and brush
between 1626 and 1669
Teylers Museum, Haarlem

[Jesus said,] “‘He was lost and has been found.’” Luke 15:32

I might feel like I’m lost, as if I have no direction, no purpose, no one who needs me… but whether I feel the Presence or not, God is always with me. I am never lost.

Today I will return to awareness, feel my breath, ask for help, and trust God hears, welcomes, and guides me home.

Carrying my own cross

George du Maurier (1834-1896)
Saint Paul in a Roman prison cell
with Onesimus.

Jesus addressed them, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27

We carry personal crosses such as grief, addiction, depression, anxiety, chronic pain and fatigue. These burdens can be heavy at times and we often wish someone else would carry them for us.

Although others may help and support us, we are responsible for carrying our own burdens. When we are able to live with patience and loving acceptance instead of despair and self-pity, our burdens seem lighter.

God’s kindness and compassion are always present to comfort us as we do our best to follow the Lord’s way of peace and healing.

Today I will take time to rest. I will ask the Lord to show me how to carry my burdens with grace and ease.