Category Archives: Mark

Trust God’s will

John Anthony (1823–1901)
Garden of Gethsemane and View of Jerusalem
Albumen silver print from glass negative, 1860s
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jesus said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will.” Mark 14:36

God’s will doesn’t always make sense to me. But when I remember the example of Jesus at Gethsemane, I find it easier to trust God’s will always leads me to life and love.

Lord, you are my help. Your wisdom is infinite and your vision pure Truth. Grant me the grace to empty myself of the need to be your equal. Show me your will for me today and help me to trust you are leading me deeper into the light of your presence.

Transformed by gratitude

Linda McCray
Transfiguration
acrylic & sand from the River Jordan and Montana
on floating wood panel

To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
Psalm 116:17

Giving thanks to the Lord transforms me from being self-centered to being God-centered. Calling on the name of the Lord reminds me Who is in charge.

Today I will cultivate a practice of giving thanks to God for everything, the pleasant and the difficult. I will call on the Lord to guide me into the healing light of compassion.

In the heart of God

Briton Rivière (1840–1920)
The Temptation in the Wilderness
oil on canvas, 1898
Guildhall Art Gallery

At once Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.
Mark 1:12-13

The desert gives me space to examine my life and refuse the temptations of despair and indifference. The desert gives me space to release the wild beasts of fear and arrogance. The desert gives me space to put my hope in the Lord and welcome God’s angel messengers who care for me so generously.

Today I will go where the Spirit leads me. With love and trust, I will step into the heart of God and live from that holy place.

Greg Boyle, SJ speaks about living in the heart of God – Ash Wednesday 2024.

Make me clean

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669)
Christus geneest een melaatse
Pen and ink drawing; 14.7 x 17.2 cm
c.1650-1655
Rijksprentenkabinet

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” Mark 1:40-41

The Lord does not withhold mercy, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, or guidance from us. He wishes us to be whole and healed. All we have to do is ask him for his grace-filled help.

Today I will turn to the Lord in times of trouble. I will ask for healing and trust the Lord hears and answers me.

Look for the Lord

James Tissot (1836-1902)
The Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-law (La guérison de la belle-mère de Pierre)
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, 1886-1894
Brooklyn Museum

Simon and those who were with Jesus pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” Mark 1:36-37

When I feel restless, when I feel my life is a drudgery, when I feel lonely and sad, that’s when I intentionally go looking for the Lord. I ask him to be with me, heal me, show me how to be of service in this moment.

Today I will remember I am always in the presence of God who is good and gracious and wise, who heals my brokenness and gives me hope.

Listen

Alexandre Bida (1813-1895)
Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue, 1875

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Psalm 95:7-8

Jesus speaks with authority about taking care of the hungry, homeless, and imprisoned. He speaks with authority about welcoming strangers. He speaks with authority about loving my enemies and forgiving those who hurt me.

Today I will soften my heart, listen to the Lord’s call to love and care for each and every member of our human family, and respond in a concrete way.

Have faith

First Sunday of Advent

God is faithful. 1 Corinthians 1:9a

Have faith in goodness.

Have faith in love.

Have faith in mercy.

Have faith in compassion.

Have faith in God’s vision of peace and unity for our world. Watch for it. Participate in it. The vision will not fail. God is faithful.

God is in charge

Amine Charnoubi
Fig tree branches grow
Khenifra, Morocco
2 March 2020

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But of that day or hour, no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Mark 13:31-32

The words of Jesus — love of God, neighbor, and self — will not pass away.

Today if I am frightened, worried, or distressed by events in the world, I will remember that God is in charge. I will nurture love and kindness in my heart so that my words, actions, attitudes, and behaviors may reassure others of God’s holy, lasting, and love-filled presence.

All I have

The Widow’s Mite
JESUS MAFA. The Widow’s Mite, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=48392 [retrieved November 7, 2021].

“She, from her poverty, has contributed all she had.”
Mark 12:44

Some days I have no surplus energy. I have to reach way down into my heart to find a little love, a little compassion, a little kindness to offer someone in need.

Today I will be gentle with myself and others. It may be all I have to give.

One with the Lord

Friedrich Böhringer
Chrome steel letters on a rusty steel plate 3 May 2009

“The Lord is one.” Mark 12:29

Each precious human person is the Lord’s, one with the Lord, one with the Lord’s goodness, compassion, and love.

Today I will be one with the Lord by treating myself and each of my neighbors with respect and kindness.