Mario Sironi, 1885 – 1961
Christ and the Samaritan Woman, 1947 – 48
Oil on Panel, 56 x 70 cm
Collezione d`Arte Religiosa Moderna, Vatican Museums, Vatican City
A woman of Samaria came to draw water.
Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” John 4:7
Jesus wants a drink of
My attention.
My thoughts.
My heart.
My strengths.
My weaknesses.
My talents.
My willingness.
My gratitude.
Jesus is not ashamed or afraid to ask. He trusts me.
Ecce Agnus Dei, 1455/60
Giovanni di Paolo [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
John 1:29
John points to Jesus as the one who will be sacrificed to save us. Yet I like to meditate on Jesus as the one who came to be with us because of God’s great love for us; who suffered pain and understands our suffering when we are in pain; who struggled with human emotions such as sorrow and anger and understands our struggles to move through grief and let go of resentment; who patiently teaches us, prays with us, and eats with us; who died and rose from the dead to give us the hope of eternal life in perfect love and union with God.
In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God. John 1:1
The Word who is Love, Compassion, and Peace has pitched his tent among us.
Merry Christmas!
Rembrandt, Jesus und Ehebrecherin
Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Reproduced in the March 2013 edition of Give Us This Day
Who did I stone this week? Did I hurl negative words? Put-downs? Blame? Scorn? Did I put on an attitude of superiority? Did I cause injury by my indifference to others’ needs?
Who stoned me this week? Was I wounded by someone’s actions or words? Did I cast stones at myself for not being perfect? Did I damage my self-esteem by comparing myself negatively with others? Who did I turn to in my shame and pain?
God loves us unconditionally and asks us to do the same for ourselves and each other. Just for today let me be intentional about building up the kingdom of God by building up all those I encounter – including myself – with kind words, generous actions, and responsible behavior.
The Transfiguration
http://cruzblanca.org/hermanoleon/
My dear friend Jerry has exhorted me to let it be known that the Church needs leaders who are more simple, down to earth, and directly connected to the people.
Jesus said, “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” John 13:14-15
Humility is the watchword of the follower of Jesus. Humility allows me to admit my dependence on God, to surrender my life and will to God’s care, to take responsibility for my actions, to reconcile with those I have harmed, to love my neighbor as myself, and to love and forgive my enemies.
Humility allows me to be a trusted servant who does not govern. Humility allows me to welcome the knowledge and wisdom of people from all walks of life. Humility allows me to hear and respond to the cries of the poor, marginalized, abandoned, and abused.
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:3-5
Mary Ann McSweeny 