Category Archives: Luke

Being neighbor

Jesus replied, “Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?”
The scholar of the law answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”
Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37

I am not here to decide who is my neighbor, but rather to approach all of God’s people as a compassionate neighbor.

Lord, you have made me in the image of your love and goodness. May I always be aware that the people I meet are also your precious children. Help me to be a kind and compassionate neighbor to everyone I encounter.

Peace carriers

The Mission

The Lord said, “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.'” Luke 10:5

We are called by the Lord to be peace carriers. That is our mission and our privilege.

Lord, fill me with your peace that I may bless everyone I meet with peace.

Be love

For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Galatians 5:14

Today I will intentionally seek ways to love my neighbor as myself. I will start this practice by encouraging, understanding, welcoming, and comforting myself and others.

Lord, help me to be love in my corner of the world.

Fed by love

Feeding the multitude
Bibliothèque nationale de France

Jesus said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” Luke 9:13a

Today I will remember I am always being fed by God’s patience, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and peace. I will give this same food to everyone I encounter.

A step towards holiness

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
The Three Crosses
drypoint and burin on paper (III/IV), 1653 Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum

The other [criminal]… said in reply, “…indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.“ Luke 23:40-43

Every day brings many challenges that require me to choose appropriate words, actions, and behaviors. When I ask the Lord to remember me, I am acknowledging my need for the Lord’s constant guidance so that I may reflect God’s love, peace, and kindness in all my interactions.

Love, peace, and kindness help make heaven on earth a reality. Today I will remember that taking responsibility for my words, actions, and behaviors is a step towards holiness.

God answers

(Hans) Sebald Beham (1500-1550)
Die Geschichte des verlorenen Sohnes/
The Prodigal Son, 1538
Private Collection

When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him. Psalm 34:7

God is present. God hears me when I call out. God saves me from distress by blessing me with courage and strength to bear a burden, by showing me what to do in a difficult situation, by giving me the right words at the right moment, by removing my resentments, by helping me to grieve, and through the kindness and compassion of other people.

Today I will call on God for all my needs. I will trust that my prayer will be answered and stay alert to receive the help God provides.

Cultivate kindness and compassion

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Le vigneron et le figuier,
between 1886 and 1894
gouache over graphite
on gray wove paper
Brooklyn Museum

The Lord is kind and merciful. Psalm 103:8a

Kind words and actions and a compassionate presence do more to build up the kingdom of heaven than harshness, impatience, and an unforgiving attitude.

Lord, show me how to be more like you. Fill me with your kindness, peace, and compassion. May my words and actions reflect your infinite patience and love.

Pray for peace and healing

Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. Luke 9:28b

A mountain of anxiety, distress, dis-ease, and grief fills our world. May I have the courage to go with the Lord up the mountain to pray for peace and healing for all people everywhere.

Today I will remember that prayer puts me in conscious contact with the presence of the Lord.

Lord, lead me on the path of love and goodness. Fill me with your compassion and kindness.

Tempted from within

“Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. Luke 4:1b-2a

When I am tempted to be afraid… to blame others… to hold on to resentment… to criticize and deride those whose opinions, religions, lifestyles are different from mine… to flirt with self-pity…

… I will call on the Lord for help.

Today I will remember that temptation comes from within. I will ask God’s Spirit to lead me out of the desert of panic, anger, negative judgment, and despair to a place of peace, kindness, compassion, and acceptance.

A store of love and goodness

“A good person out of the store of goodness in his heart produces good.” Luke6:45a

We have a blessed beginning: we are each made in the image of God’s love and goodness.

May I be willing to be healed of everything that distorts my store of love and goodness: fear, resentment, greed, jealousy, arrogance.

May I uncover the love, forgiveness, generosity, acceptance, and humility that are my birthright and let them flow from me into our fragile world.