Category Archives: Genesis

Going God’s Way

Attributed to Jan Mostaert (circa 1475–1555/1556)
The Temptation in the Wilderness
Oil on panel

The tempter approached and said to [Jesus],
“If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become loaves of bread.” Matthew 4:3

There are so many people and voices that try to influence me. Some are attractive but seductive. They tempt me to reject my true nature of goodness and love.

I am learning to compare what I hear and see with what Jesus teaches me, and to choose the way of the Lord: to follow God’s will of love and compassion, to find concrete ways to support the hungry, the lonely, the homeless, and those who are being treated inhumanely—and to eliminate indifference, harmful speech, and injustice in my interactions with others.

Today I will ask the Holy Spirit to help me resist the temptation to go my own way. I will ask for the grace to align my mind, heart, and will with God’s, that I may be a kind, merciful, welcoming, and generous presence to all people.

A little goes a long way

James Tissot (1836-1902)
La multiplicité des pains
between 1886 and 1894
opaque watercolor over graphite
on gray wove paper
Brooklyn Museum

Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, Jesus said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. Luke 9:16-17a

Made in the image of God’s love and goodness, we have each been blessed with the power to participate in fulfilling God’s vision of peace and compassion—creating a world where everyone’s needs are satisfied.

Paying attention to the people I meet, offering a listening ear, a word of encouragement, a friendly smile, a sincere “thank you,” or a helping hand show I am willing to share my gifts of kindness, compassion, hope, love, grateful heart, and practical knowledge and skills. Such simple actions go a long way to bring healing to our world.

Today I will practice awareness of the people around me and intentionally give a little of my energy to share my God-given goodness, love, and talents with all.