Category Archives: John

Believe and be fed

James Tissot (1836-1902)
The Gathering of the Manna
(La récolte de la manne)
gouache on board, c. 1896-1902
The Jewish Museum

So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.” John 6:28-29

To follow the Way of Jesus Christ, to practice forgiveness, compassion, healing, and awareness of the needs of others, to surrender to the will of God: this is the work I am called to accomplish every day.

Today I will nourish myself with the Word of God and believe that Jesus was sent from God to show me how to live, love, and do the works of God.

Feed one another

JESUS MAFA. Jesus multiplies the loaves and fish, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

[L]ive in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3

Let us not waste any opportunity to treat all people with reverence. Let us feed each other with kindness and gentleness. Let us share peaceful words and be unified in God’s Spirit of love and mercy.

Today I will feed myself, my family, friends, and everyone I encounter with patience and kindness.

Receive and give

Holger Schué

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.

One

Jesus prayed saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.” John 17:11b

Let us be One
in kindness
in compassion
in nonviolence
in peace
in love.

Today I will remember we are all One in God. I will let God’s love and peace move in and through me to bless everyone I encounter.

Love one another

Jesus said: “This I command you: love one another.” John 15:17

Love comes in many forms: courtesy, civility, nonviolence, respect, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, compassion, companionship, listening, encouragement, welcome, acceptance, patience…

Holy Spirit, show me how to love today.

Remain in love

Cucurbita pepo pumpkin in patch

Jesus said: “Remain in me, as I remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.” John 15:4

The fruit of our lives may be small or large, acknowledged or unacknowledged, but when we live in the heart of Christ , the fruit we bear is always love.

Today I will ask the Spirit to guide me so that the fruit of all my interactions is love.

Carried by the Good Shepherd

Anton Mauve, 1838-1888 Shepherd and Sheep
oil on canvas, ca.1880
Cincinnati Museum of Art

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.” John 10:11-12

The wolf that divides and scatters us is fear: fear of those whose beliefs are different from ours, fear of change, fear of diversity, fear of unity, fear of being overlooked, fear of betrayal, fear of touching those who are ill, fear of rejection, fear of pain, fear of not having enough, fear of loving, fear of being loved.

With infinite love, patience, and kindness, the Good Shepherd carries us through the fear and guides us back to wholeness and oneness.

Today I will take refuge with the Good Shepherd and trust his guidance. I will put my attention on God’s kindness and mercy instead of fear. I will thank God for hearing me when I ask for help.

Peace be with you

Guercino (1591-1666)
Doubting Thomas
oil on canvas, 1621
Residenzgalerie Salzburg

Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
John 20:19

What the Lord wants for us is peace. Peace in our hearts. Peace in our families. Peace in our communities. Peace between countries. Peace for all people everywhere.

Today I will receive the Lord’s gift of peace and intentionally give it away to anyone I meet wherever I may happen to be. May I reflect the peace of God in my thoughts, words, behaviors, and actions.

Feel the hush and hope

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
John 20:1

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. Psalm 118:24

When the stone of resistance is removed from my heart, I will be emptied of sadness, betrayal, despair, pain, resentment, and fear. I will feel the hush and hope of the Resurrection.

Lord Jesus, you have been through everything I am going through. I trust you are helping and guiding me in every moment. Lead me in the light of your love that I too may offer others the gift of hope and gladness.

Ego-emptying

Wheat and Sky

Jesus answered them, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be.” John 12:26

To serve the Lord, I must empty myself of anything and everything that prevents me from following him on the Way of love, forgiveness, mercy, and kindness.

Lord, create in me a pure heart that I may let go of ego and serve you and my neighbors without fear.