Category Archives: Philippians

Emptied

Diego Velazquez, 1599-1660
Cristo crucificado
oil on canvas, ca.1632
Museo del Prado, Madrid

[Christ Jesus] emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:7-8

Empty myself of worry, fear, complaints, arrogance, ingratitude, prejudice, self-seeking, irresponsibility, greed, indifference, finger-pointing, resentment, the need to be right, the illusion of control.

Today I will look to the Lord when I am bitten by serpents of dissatisfaction, hostility, and pride. I will empty myself of ego, and humbly ask God to bless me with the knowledge of his will for me and grant me the grace and courage to carry it out—even if it means dying on a cross.

God sustains us

Francesco Allegrini da Gubbio (1587–1663)
Christ Crucified with the Good Thief
Pen and brown ink, brush and brown wash. Framing lines in red chalk, and in pen and brown ink on mount.
1624–63
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 80.3.326

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Psalm 22:2a

When we experience trauma, our sense of God’s loving, infinite presence shuts off.

But whatever we are suffering, and whether we remember God or not, God is always present to sustain us.

Today I will remember I am safe in the heart of God. I will empty myself of the need to be in control, thank God for sheltering me, and trust that all shall be well.

God-like choices

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Christ and the woman taken in adultery
Drawing in ink, c. 1639–41
Louvre

[Jesus] straightened up and said to them,
“Let the one among you who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7

Jesus always points out to us the God-like way to treat people. Mercy, compassion, nonviolence, forgiveness, patience, courtesy… these are God-like choices we can practice with everyone we meet.

Today I will have faith in Christ and imitate him. I will choose God-like practices in my interactions with all people.

The Lord is near

Third Sunday of Advent

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?”
He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Luke 3:10-11

John the Baptist points the way to joy: we are to share what we have generously and with great kindness. The light of joy brightens us as we share food, clothing, shelter, refuge, hope, and compassion with those who have none.

Today I will remember the Lord is near. I will move towards him with joy and serve him by sharing what I have with those who have none.

God’s beloved

Second Sunday of Advent

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception. Philippians 1:9

God loves every single person on this planet completely and unconditionally. That is the knowledge and perception I pray for: to recognize each member of the human family as God’s beloved and to treat each person with the kindness and respect that is their birthright.

Today I will pray for someone I find difficult to love.

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.

Give power to love

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Whatever I think about, I give power to.

Today I will keep my thoughts on embodying God’s kindness, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion. I will give power to Love with my thoughts and life.

The attitude of Christ

James Tissot (1836-1902)
The Chief Priests Ask Jesus by What Right Does He Act in This Way (Les princes des prêtres interrogent Jésus de quel droit il agit)
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, 1886-1894
Brooklyn Museum

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;
teach me your paths,
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my savior. Psalm 25:6a

The Lord’s ways are mercy, compassion, justice, and kindness. May I empty myself of resentment, indifference, selfishness, and arrogance and let God’s goodness and love be my guide and teacher.

Today I will release anything that prevents me from having the heart, mind, and attitude of Christ.

With honor and grace

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

Today I will do my best to embody honor, justice, purity, loveliness, graciousness, and excellence in all my relationships. I will give praise to God for our beautiful world and my family and friends. I will be a peaceful presence at home, in my community, and in the world.

Turn towards the light

Ralph Stackpole (1885-1973)
Worship, 1915

Since he has turned away from all the sins that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die. Ezekiel 18:28

It’s never too late to turn from resentment, hostility, indifference, self-righteousness, divisiveness, racism…

Today is the day I will turn towards the light of forgiveness, kindness, compassion,  generosity, unity, and respect for all members of our human family.

Lord, give me the courage to follow your Way of life.