Author Archives: Mary Ann

Blessed by the peace of Christ

Peace I Leave with You!
Tile from Peace Wall
Hamilton, New Zealand
20th Century Mural

Jesus said, “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 14:27

The peace of Christ assures me God is in charge, that God loves me and sustains me in everything. I have no need to be anxious or afraid. I am safe in the heart of God.

Today I will fully and completely receive and accept the blessing of the peace of Christ. I will let the light of Christ’s peace shine upon, in, and through me wherever I am.

Made new in love

Nathan Harper Photograph, 2008

Jesus said, “I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” John 13:34

When I wonder how to love, I look at the example of Jesus. Gracious. Merciful. Kind. Helping the poor, ill, dying, hungry, alienated, and lonely. Emptying himself of ego in order to be faithful to the will of God.

Today I will do my best to follow the example of Jesus in all of my daily activities. I will thank God for the grace to be made new as I embrace opportunities to love and accept all people as beloved of God.

Faithful to the voice of love

Gebhard Fugel (1863-1939)
The Multitude, 1933
Scheyern Abbey

Remain faithful to the grace of God.
Acts 13:43d

We are graced to hear in the voice of Jesus unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, and peace for all people of every nation, race, culture, and tongue. May our hearts be open to become what we hear.

Today I will open my heart to hear the gentle voice of Jesus the Good Shepherd calling me to love my neighbor as myself.

An invitation

Koenig, Peter.
Breakfast on the Beach
from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.
Original source: Peter Winfried (Canisius) Koenig, pwkoenig.co.uk/.

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

Jesus is so understanding of our needs. He knows we need rest after working hard. He knows we need food and comfort. He knows we need a good friend and companionship. He knows we need the reassurance of his presence in every moment and in all of our daily activities.

Today I will accept Jesus’ invitation to spend a little time with him.

Peace in our hearts

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Christ Appearing to the Disciples
etching print, 1656
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19

Peace in our hearts. Peace in our minds. Peace in our homes. Peace in our families. Peace in our neighborhoods. Peace in our country. Peace in our world.

Today I will open my mind and heart to receive the peace of Christ. In all my encounters, I will intentionally choose words and actions that reflect Christ’s peace.

Rise from the dead

Frank Wesley (1923-2002)
Mary at the Tomb
from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN

For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead. John 20:9

We rarely understand God’s vision for us or for the world. Where we see disharmony, God is creating harmony. Where we see suffering, God is healing wounds. Where we see death, God is preparing a glorious resurrection.

Today I will thank Jesus for teaching me how to empty myself of ego and humbly do God’s will of love and service to others. I will sit quietly and contemplate what rising from the dead means to me.

God sustains us

Francesco Allegrini da Gubbio (1587–1663)
Christ Crucified with the Good Thief
Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash. Framing lines in red chalk, and in pen and brown ink on mount.
1624–63
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 80.3.326

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Psalm 22:2a

When we experience trauma, our sense of God’s loving, infinite presence shuts off.

But whatever we are suffering, and whether we remember God or not, God is always present to sustain us.

Today I will remember I am safe in the heart of God. I will empty myself of the need to be in control, thank God for sheltering me, and trust that all shall be well.

God-like choices

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Christ and the woman taken in adultery
Drawing in ink, c. 1639–41
Louvre

[Jesus] straightened up and said to them,
“Let the one among you who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7

Jesus always points out to us the God-like way to treat people. Mercy, compassion, nonviolence, forgiveness, patience, courtesy… these are God-like choices we can practice with everyone we meet.

Today I will have faith in Christ and imitate him. I will choose God-like practices in my interactions with all people.

Restored to harmony

Rembrandt (1606 – 1669)
The Return of the Prodigal Son /
De terugkeer van de verloren zoon
drawing with pen and brush
ca.1640 – ca.1645
Teylers Museum, Haarlem
Object number: O+ 048

[Jesus addressed this parable to them:] “His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.'” Luke 15:21

It isn’t easy to admit I’m wrong, that I’ve caused harm with my words, actions, attitudes, and behaviors. But God is always calling me home to the original harmonic of goodness and love, peace and compassion. When I pay attention to God’s will for me, I find the humility to take responsibility for what I have done or failed to do.

Today I will turn to God and ask for the courage to take the initiative to be reconciled with God and my neighbor.

Cultivate your true nature

Jan Luyken (1649-1712)
etching illustrating Luke 13:6-9
Bowyer Bible, Bolton, England
Photo by Harry Kossuth, 2009

Jesus told them this parable… “[The gardener] said to [the orchard owner] in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.'” Luke 13:8-9

We are called to cultivate and feed our true nature of love and goodness in order to help bring peace, justice, and love to our troubled world. Praying, meditating, contemplating sacred Scripture, and taking time just to be are ways to nurture our hearts, minds, and bodies so that we bear the good fruit of love and goodness in our daily lives.

Today I will ask God to remove any obstacle that prevents me from fostering the growth of mercy, kindness, patience, and generosity towards those who are afraid, suffering, or in need of sanctuary.