Author Archives: Mary Ann

Believe and be fed

James Tissot (1836-1902)
The Gathering of the Manna
(La récolte de la manne)
gouache on board, c. 1896-1902
The Jewish Museum

So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” John 6:28-29

To follow the Way of Jesus Christ, to practice forgiveness, compassion, healing, and awareness of the needs of others, to surrender to the will of God: this is the work I am called to accomplish every day.

Today I will nourish myself with the Word of God and believe that Jesus was sent from God to show me how to live, love, and do the works of God.

Feed one another

JESUS MAFA. Jesus multiplies the loaves and fish, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

[L]ive in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

Let us not waste any opportunity to treat all people with reverence. Let us feed each other with kindness and gentleness. Let us share peaceful words and be unified in God’s Spirit of love and mercy.

Today I will feed myself, my family, friends, and everyone I encounter with patience and kindness.

Christ Jesus is our peace

Camille Pissarro (1830-1903)
Landscape with Flock of Sheep
oil on canvas, 1889 and 1902
Norton Simon Museum

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34

Let us follow the teaching of the Lord, our shepherd, and take care of each other in peace and love. Let us follow his teaching and forgive those who hurt us. Let us follow his teaching and love one another, even our enemies.

Today I will intentionally choose peace over conflict, reconciliation over revenge, and love over indifference.

In unity and community

Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) Disciples Healing the Sick oil on cardboard, ca.1930 Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. Mark 6:7

We give and receive strength for life’s journey by walking, working, praying, grieving, and laughing with each other. Our relationships teach us to love, forgive, reconcile, and find peaceful solutions to conflict. When we spend time with those who suffer, we are healed in unfathomable ways and our compassion deepens.

Today I will claim the authority God has given me to work with others to heal all that prevents us from living in unity, including my own fears and prejudices.

By the grace of God

António de Oliveira Bernardes (1686/1687 – 1732)
A Rejeição de Jesus em Nazaré (“Um profeta não deixa de receber honra, senão na sua terra”)
painel de azulejos, século XVIII
Igreja da Misericórdia, Évora, Portugal

The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 9

Vulnerability and weakness remind me of my humanity. In humble awareness that I can do nothing without God, I turn to the Lord whose grace gives me the power to keep going.

Today I will ask the Lord to grace me with mercy, love, trust, and courage.

Be my helper, O Lord

James Tissot (1836-1902)
L’hémoroïsse
opaque watercolor over graphite
on gray wove paper
between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me;
O LORD, be my helper. Psalm 30:11

When all I can do is pray for help, faith tells me that God is with me, listening and answering.

Today I will turn to the Lord when I am troubled, in pain, distressed, or grieving. The Lord will help me.

God is in charge

James Ensor (1860-1949)
Christ Calming the Storm, ca.1906
Musée d’Ixelles, Brussels

Then Jesus asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” Mark 4:40

Faith tells me that whatever is happening in the world and in my life, God is in charge and all shall be well.

Today I will not let the storms of life terrify me. Instead I will put my attention on the Lord. I will ask him to increase my faith and help me trust God’s vision of love, peace, and unity is unfolding in God’s time.

Plant a seed of love

Mustard Seeds in a Plate at Reganigudem
By Adityamadhav83

We are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:6-7

It takes only the tiniest seed of faith to keep going each day. Faith the sun will rise and set, faith we are where we need to be, faith we live in the heart space of God.

Today I will give thanks to God for the courage to get out of bed and be in the world. I will plant a seed of love by performing an act of kindness for someone who needs shelter from the stresses of life.

The Will to Love

Jesus said, “For whoever does the will of God
is my brother and sister and mother.”
Mark 3:35

We discern God’s will by reading sacred Scripture, spending quiet time alone with God in prayer and meditation, and listening to our hearts.

Today I will choose the Way of love and mercy and know I am carrying out God’s will.

A covenant of love

Laura James
Love One Another

The people all answered with one voice, “We will do everything that the LORD has told us.” Exodus 24:3

The Lord has told us to love one another. May we embody patience, kindness, respectful listening, nonviolence, forgiveness, gentleness, and generosity.

Let us join together to build up the Body of Christ in love and service to one another.