You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:8
We need not look any further: the Lord is at hand in our hearts, in every person, every plant, every animal, every raindrop, every snowflake, every sunset. There is no need to be afraid. We are always in the heart of God.
Today I will be patient with myself and others as I cultivate the precious fruit of love for God and my neighbor.
Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide. Isaiah 11:3
When we welcome and accept people of all cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles without being influenced by others’ opinions, when we balance justice with mercy and are faithful to God’s command to love our neighbor, then we will bear the good fruit of harmony and fullness of peace that is God’s vision for our world.
Today I will ask God for a spirit of wisdom and understanding and a heart of kindness and compassion. May I do my part to fill my little corner of the world with the knowledge of the Lord and help heal the harm caused by fear, conflict, aggression, and division.
“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” Isaiah 2:3
The climb up the mountain to the house of the Lord demands perseverance, courage, and trust. The love, example, and presence of Jesus prepare, instruct, and sustain us as we make a commitment to walk in the paths of peace, justice, healing, forgiveness, nonviolence, and compassion.
Today I will ask the Holy Spirit to bring the healing light of compassionate love to all the dark places in my mind and heart that impede or prevent me from walking in the paths of the Lord.
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Isaiah 40:1
People are struggling in so many ways. Food is expensive. Rents are high. Natural disasters abound. Wars are devastating whole peoples.
We are the eyes and hands and heart of God in the world. In our small, individual ways, let us bring comfort to those who face tragedy and distress. Spend time with the broken, pray, listen, encourage, bring food to the food pantry, knit a welcome blanket for a refugee.
Love. Never. Fails.
Today I will give comfort to others by embodying love and hope with my attitude, words, and actions.
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Jesus said to them, “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
A young friend of mine has become the target of unjust practices at her workplace and has taken a stand for justice. Even though she may never know the far-reaching results of her call for justice, her mental, physical, and emotional sacrifice performs a lasting service for others who are being or will be treated unjustly.
Lord, let your mercy be on us as we experience suffering when walking your Way of peace and justice. May we serve the needs of all those who have no one to advocate for them.
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Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” Mark 8:34
Our personal cross may appear small in light of all the suffering in the world, but it is our cross to bear each day with patience and endurance. As we follow the Way of Jesus into forgiveness, generosity, and compassion, we trust God will use our self-donation for the highest good of all of humanity.
Today I will put my faith in God’s loving care for me and know God is my help. I will take up my cross with courage and dignity and follow the Lord wherever he leads me.
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Say to those whose hearts are frightened:
Be strong, fear not!
Here is your God. Isaiah 35:4a
No matter what it looks like in our troubled world, God is in charge. We are not lost. We have not been abandoned. God is here. We have nothing to fear. God’s vision of love and unity will be fulfilled.
Today I will intentionally choose to open my eyes and ears and heart to discern where I can bring a little comfort, a little peace, a little love to the people in my corner of the world.
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Isaiah 40:1
We are all frail people who are suffering from something voiced or unvoiced, something accepted or denied, something tangible or intangible.
Today I will do as God asks and offer a word or gesture of comfort to everyone I meet, including myself.
For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. Isaiah 56:7
Everyone—without exception—is welcome in God’s house, a house of prayer and unity.
Today I will remember my heart is where God dwells. I will welcome all people into my small God-house of prayer.
Thus says the LORD:
Share your bread with the hungry,
shelter the oppressed and the homeless;
clothe the naked when you see them,
and do not turn your back on your own.
Isaiah 58:7
Sometimes I just don’t know how to help. There are so many people in need.
But the Lord gives me a simple to-do list. Share my food and clothing. Find a way to help those without homes and those who are suffering unjust, inhumane treatment. Honor and respect all people. Make my home an oasis of kindness and welcome.
Today I will shine the light of love and compassion in my corner of the world. I will refuse to be indifferent to any of God’s children.
Mary Ann McSweeny 