Gustave Doré (1832-1883)
Jesus Walks on the Sea
between 1866 and 1870
When the winds of pain, stress, and anxiety blow strong, I tend to lose sight of love and goodness and sink into despair.
Today I will take time alone to pray. I will entrust my troubles to the Lord, and accept the healing of the Lord’s eternal patience, compassion, and presence.
[Jesus] went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Matthew 14:23
The Transfiguration
JESUS MAFA. Transfiguration, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. [retrieved August 6, 2017].
I wonder how it would change me to live with the knowledge that I am God’s beloved child, that we are all God’s beloved children, that God is pleased and delighted by our presence.
From the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” When the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate and were very much afraid. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.” Matthew 17:5b-8
William H. Rau (1855-1920)
Fishermen by the Sea of Galilee, Palestine
stereograph, gelatin silver, ca.29 December 1903
Today’s net holds a variety of interesting “fish.” I find joy in the beautiful morning. Pain deep in my bones. Ease for the pain in the sun’s warmth. Anxiety about returning to work tomorrow. Comfort in the cat’s purr. Annoyance in the in-and-out demands of another cat. An opportunity to be in touch with my elderly aunt. A message from a friend.
To be in the kingdom of heaven is to choose the fish that feed me and others. It is to make a deliberate effort to discard the fish that weaken my ability to love.
Today I choose to let go of anxiety and annoyance. I choose to be gentle with the pain. I choose to give thanks for the beauty of the world and the people I encounter.
[Jesus said to his disciples,] “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away.” Matthew 13:47-48
James Tissot (1836-1902)
Le semeur
opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum
All people, including me, no matter what’s going on in the world, are in the tender, compassionate, comforting care of God.
Today I thank God for taking care of me.
There is no god besides you who have the care of all. Wisdom 12:13
Charles Cousen (1819-1889)
Engraving after R. Beavis
The heaviest part of today’s burden is not the migraine. It is the negative self-judgment. I am disappointed in my physical frailty and inability to do all that needs to be done.
But I can handle my most pressing need: to take time to partner with the One who is eager to give me rest. It is enough, it is more than enough, it is my calling to let the Lord teach me God’s care and compassion.
[Jesus said,] “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Pieter Breugel the Elder (between 1526-1530 – 1569)
Caritas (Charity) – The Seven Acts of Mercy – Detail of the Feeding of the Hungry
pen in brown ink, 1559
Hungry.
For love. Compassion. Peace. Kindness. Generosity. Forgiveness. Understanding. Acceptance. Encouragement. Companionship. Hope. Meaning. Purpose. Rest.
Today I ask the One who is the bread of life to feed me. And I pray for the grace to share what I am freely given with everyone I encounter.
[Jesus said,] “Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” John 6:57-58
The power of wind and fire is within each breath I take. This is the gift of God’s Holy Spirit.
How will I make use of the power of the Spirit in me today? How can I help fulfill the Lord’s vision of peace and unity and love among all people?
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 2:2-4
Chris Cook, b.1962
Men of Galilee
Acrylic on canvas
Love, forgiveness, compassion, nonviolence, prayer, generosity, service to the poor… does my life witness teach others these commands of the Lord?
Today I will remember Jesus is with me and ask for the courage to embody his commands. I will look to others to be my teachers, too, so that I may become more skilled in the ways of the Lord.
Then Jesus approached and said to them, “…[teach] them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18a, 20a
Simone Cantarini, 1612-1648
Holy Trinity, 17th c.
Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil
God’s Holy Spirit lives and breathes with, in, and through us. We are in the Lord, the Lord is in us. We are dependent upon the Lord, and the Lord depends on us to be the eyes and ears and hands and hearts of God’s love and compassion in the world.
[Jesus said to his disciples,] “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.” John 14:20
Jacek Andrzej Rossakiewicz, 1956-2016
The Prayer of Jesus
oil on canvas, 1990
Faith to walk the way of peace and nonviolence and forgiveness.
Faith to be guided by the truth of our common humanity that demands generosity towards the poor and compassion for the suffering.
Faith to choose life with, in, and from the healing power of love.
Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.” John 14:1
Mary Ann McSweeny 