Each breath I take is a sign of God’s Spirit within me. No matter what is happening, my breath reminds me I am always in the presence of the Lord, at home in the heart of God.
Today I will remember to breathe when I am anxious or upset. God is here.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Psalm 16:8
Jesus never sought honor, power, or prestige. He cared about people and he helped them—especially the poor, the hungry, the ill, and those rejected and abandoned by society.
Lord, grant me the grace to empty myself of arrogance, greed, self-serving, and indifference. Fill me with your kindness, generosity, compassion, and welcome. Show me concrete ways to help the poor and hopeless.
In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.” Mark 12:38-40
“The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Deuteronomy 6:4
Our love manifests in many ways. Respect for the environment and all of God’s creation. Gratitude for our many blessings. Listening attentively to the opinions of others. Encouraging those who are downhearted. Bringing food to the food pantry. Treating all people with courtesy. Saying “Please” and “Thank you” to the people who help us. Donating our unused clothing and household items to an organization that will distribute them to people in need. Speaking words that express peace, hope, and kindness. Praying for an end to war and violence.
Lord, may I be one with you in love. Please show me how to love you and my neighbor today.
Jesus said to [Bartimaeus], “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:51-52
Jesus meets us where we are with genuine interest in how he can help us. In faith and with humility, we must be ready to ask the Lord for what we want and need.
Lord, open my eyes to see your will for me. Heal me that I may follow you on the Way.
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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.
Jesus said, “All things are possible for God.” Mark 10:27
We can do all things through God, with God, and in God because God’s Word and Spirit live within us. We are God’s voice, ears, eyes, hands, and heart in the world. We have the power to intentionally choose words, actions, and behaviors that prove us to be effective bearers of God’s love, generosity, compassion, forgiveness, and healing.
Today I will pray for a spirit of wisdom and the grace to share my love and possessions with those in need.
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Jesus said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Mark 10:14-15
Today I will go to the Lord like a child: Precious in my limitations. Trusting. Vulnerable. Loving and ready to be loved. I will confide in him all that troubles me and rest, knowing I am heard, blessed, and healed by his love and compassion.
Jesus replied, “For whoever is not against us is for us.” Mark 9:40
Anyone who treats others with love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, generosity, and nonviolence is for Jesus.
Today I will remember every person is made in the image and likeness of God’s goodness and love. I will welcome everyone I meet as a member of God’s precious family.
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Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. James 3:16-18
The Scriptures are like a spiritual emery board, gently smoothing my tendency to put myself first, hold on to grudges, and ignore the needs of the vulnerable. The Scriptures teach me that the Way of Christ is to make a priority of the needs of God’s children at every level of society, from babies and toddlers to the the hungry and the homeless, the elderly and infirm, the sick and dying, the lonely and forgotten.
Today I will remember all people are God’s vulnerable children. In peace and sincerity, I will reach out to help someone in need.
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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.
Mary Ann McSweeny 