Category Archives: John

Rejoice and be glad

Icon of the Resurrection

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

Today is a gift from God. May I open my eyes, ears, and heart to find reasons to rejoice and be glad in it.

 

To comfort

The Raising of Lazarus (after Rembrandt)
Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890), Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, May 1890
oil on paper, 50 cm x 65.5 cm
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)

When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. John 11:17-19

There is a tremendous sorrow in our world right now. We need each other’s love and compassion. We need to comfort one another.

Today I will offer comfort to someone in need.

Who is in charge?

N. Courier
Christ and the woman of Samaria at Jacob’s Well
lithograph, hand colored, between 1835 and 1836

“Is the LORD in our midst or not?” Exodus 17:7

To believe in God is to know God is present with us always.

God is in charge. God has not abandoned us or forsaken us. God will not let us be lost in the frightening, crazy, unjust, hard-hearted happenings of the world.

Today I will welcome the Lord. I will take time to listen for God’s voice. I will embody the Lord’s kindness by speaking respectfully to everyone I encounter.

Spark of glory

William Rimmer (1816-1879)
Saint Stephen, 1860
Art Institute of Chicago

[Jesus prayed, saying, “Holy Father,] I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me.” John 17:22-23a

We are of God and in God, tiny sparks reflecting God’s glory.

How will I shine God’s glorious love and compassion in the world today?

Peace in and through us

We are in the Presence of God, now, in this moment. May I remember to call on the Holy Spirit to think, live, and speak for and through me to bring the love and peace of God to the world.

[Jesus said to his disciples:] “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:25-27

Known

Shepherd girl with sheep and lamb in Nepal

Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

There is One who knows my strengths and weaknesses, my gifts and defects, my successes and struggles.

Listen! It is the voice of Love who calls me to follow.

Simply fed

Laura James
Fish for Breakfast, Book of Gospels
laurajamesart.com

Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” John 21:12a

He knows our hunger, our loneliness, our pain, our suffering. He seeks our company and makes us welcome. He is the Lord of hope and comfort, wisdom and mercy, forgiveness and love.

Peace be with you

He Qi, The Doubt of St. Thomas

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” John 20:21

The Risen Lord brings us peace and sends us forth to bring peace to others.

Where do I need to bring peace today?

 

 

Surprised

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

You can’t keep the Lord closed up, locked up, buried, or hidden. Jesus goes where he wants, when he wants, to whom he wants. His presence proclaims and reminds us of God’s undying love for each of us. Be prepared to be surprised: the Lord walks among us.

 

Caught

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669)
Jesus and the woman caught in adultery

The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery. John 8:3a

I sometimes feel caught — by circumstances, others’ demands, chronic pain, or mental, emotional, physical, or spiritual distress. The sense of being trapped and in the control of unknown, antagonistic forces terrifies me.

In tiny moments of sanity, I remember to come before the Lord to ask for help and guidance. Gradually — and sometimes quickly — God’s mercy reveals the way to freedom.