Author Archives: Mary Ann

Through the Holy Spirit

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The Blue Marble
NASA/Apollo 17 crew; taken by either Harrison Schmitt or Ron Evans, December 7, 1972

We human persons are so small, frail, weak, and fragile. But filled with God’s Holy Spirit, we have the choice to be spacious in love, unbreakable in generosity, powerful in compassion, and invincible in forgiveness.

When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place — What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? Psalm 8:4-5

Untamed

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“Tame” does not describe the Holy Spirit. Be prepared to be surprised, overwhelmed, consumed, humbled, delighted by the movement of the Spirit in your life.

And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:2-4a

Spark of glory

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William Rimmer (1816-1879)
Saint Stephen, 1860
Art Institute of Chicago

[Jesus prayed, saying, “Holy Father,] I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me.” John 17:22-23a

We are of God and in God, tiny sparks reflecting God’s glory.

How will I shine God’s glorious love and compassion in the world today?

Peace in and through us

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We are in the Presence of God, now, in this moment. May I remember to call on the Holy Spirit to think, live, and speak for and through me to bring the love and peace of God to the world.

[Jesus said to his disciples:] “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:25-27

Kindness and compassion

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Enver Rahmanov
Prayer of compassion

The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works. Psalm 145:8-9

How grateful I am to be able to turn to the Lord and know I will be welcomed with kindness and compassion, particularly on a day like today when I am in great need of comfort.

Known

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Shepherd girl with sheep and lamb in Nepal

Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

There is One who knows my strengths and weaknesses, my gifts and defects, my successes and struggles.

Listen! It is the voice of Love who calls me to follow.

Simply fed

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Laura James
Fish for Breakfast, Book of Gospels
laurajamesart.com

Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” John 21:12a

He knows our hunger, our loneliness, our pain, our suffering. He seeks our company and makes us welcome. He is the Lord of hope and comfort, wisdom and mercy, forgiveness and love.