Jesus breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:22
From the Risen Lord’s own breath, we receive the Holy Spirit: our breath mingling with God’s in an eternal communion of give and receive, receive and give.
Today I will receive the gifts and talents I have been given with gratitude and use one of them to benefit someone in need.
[We proclaim] Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
1 Corinthians 1: 24b-25
The power and wisdom of God is Love.
Today I will intentionally live in and from God’s heart of unconditional love. I will be kind, encouraging, compassionate, and peaceful and bless everyone near and far, known and unknown.
God is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:9a
Have faith in goodness.
Have faith in love.
Have faith in mercy.
Have faith in compassion.
Have faith in God’s vision of peace and unity for our world. Watch for it. Participate in it. The vision will not fail. God is faithful.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6
We work together in harmony to bring about God’s vision of love and peace for humankind. We are not in competition. We are each a part of the body of Christ, given the Holy Spirit in order to serve God’s human family.
Today I will reflect on the spiritual gifts I have been given. I will ask the Holy Spirit to show me how best to use these gifts to bring peace, harmony, and love to the world.
For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God. 1 Corinithians 2:10b
God’s Holy Spirit leads me to scrutinize my words, actions, behaviors, and attitudes to discern where I have loved and where I have neglected to love.
Today I will spend quiet time alone and ask the Spirit to open my mind and heart to receive God’s love, to help me choose justice, generosity, forgiveness, and compassion in my interactions—and to be accountable for how I treat myself and others.
Lord, help me trust and practice your law of love today.
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Jesus called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:21c-22
Constant reports of war, greed, illness, depression, aggression, finger-pointing, and lack of personal accountability are causes of gloom and distress in our daily lives.
But the Lord calls us to leave our preoccupation with all that is in disrepair in the world and instead follow him to show by our life example that reconciliation, respect, courtesy, and compassionate service have the power to mend all divisions.
Today I will remember God has graced me with a spirit of love. I will follow the Lord on the way of love to bring the light of kindness, encouragement, and hope to all people I encounter.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:3
Each day is an opportunity to consciously place ourselves in the presence of God and ask to be touched by God’s grace and filled with God’s peace.
And as we receive these gifts, we are called to be servants of God’s will and give them away so that the light of reconciliation and love may reach to the ends of the earth.
God is my strength. Today I will let God’s grace and peace transform my thoughts, words, and the ways in which I interact with the people I encounter.
Jesus said, “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.” John 14:26
With each breath, we are one with God’s Holy Spirit.
With each breath, we hear the Holy Spirit teach us everything about kindness, respect, compassion, gentleness, justice, and generosity.
With each breath, we listen to the Holy Spirit’s reminder that Jesus has told us to love God, our neighbor, and ourselves, and to forgive those who have hurt us.
Lord, love comes in many forms of service. May I be guided today by your Holy Spirit as I use my gifts and talents to bless our fragile world with love and goodness.
Love is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests. 1 Corinthians 13:5
May I offer my opinions and suggestions, my experience and insights with love, in love, and through love. May I be ready to listen to others with unconditional love and deep respect.
Today I will choose my words, behaviors, and attitudes to reflect love.
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God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended. If they were all one part, where would the body be? But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you, “ nor again the head to the feet, “I do not need you.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-21
In many areas of our world and society, human life is considered cheap – to be destroyed by war, trafficking, slavery, experimental science, and many other forms of self-interest, selfishness, and greed.
We must never forget God made each precious person in the image of God’s own image of love and goodness. We must always remember to treat ourselves and every person with generosity and dignity, and with the respect and compassion that is our birthright.
We all belong to God. Today I will make sure I welcome and honor everyone I encounter.
Mary Ann McSweeny 