Category Archives: Philippians

A vineyard of peace, love, and goodness

Leave a reply
Marten I. van Valckenborch (1534/1535 – 1612)
Gleichnis von den bösen Winzern (Oktober), 1580/1590
Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien

Jesus said, “Therefore, I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that will produce its fruit.” Matthew 21:43

My challenge every day is to produce the fruit of God’s kingdom: “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious” (Philippians 4:8).

Today I will examine my words, actions, attitudes, and behaviors to discern the fruits I am producing as I go about my daily life. I will ask the Lord to give me the courage to make necessary changes that I may grow in peace, love, and goodness.

It’s never too late

Leave a reply
William Hogarth (1697-1764)
after Nicholas Yeates (1669-1686 (fl.c.))
The parable of the two sons (Matthew, 21:28-32)
print, 1724

Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.” Matthew 21:32

It’s never too late to change my attitudes and behaviors. It’s never too late to ask God to open my heart to mercy and forgiveness. It’s never too late to learn to relate to others with forbearance instead of resentment, patience instead of scorn, kindness instead of ridicule, peace instead of violence, love instead of fear.

Today I will humble myself and ask God to show me where I need to make changes in my thinking, attitudes, behaviors, and actions. I will ask God to give me the courage to make these changes so that I may grow in love and goodness.

God is always near

School of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (1606-1669)
Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard: Matthew 20:1-16
5 15/16 x 7 11/16 inches
Pen and brown ink, pentimento in left arm of seated figure corrected in opaque white, on paper; later washes and pen strokes in gray.
The Morgan Library and Museum

Seek the LORD while he may be found, call him while he is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way, and the wicked his thoughts; let him turn to the LORD for mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving.
Isaiah 55:6-7

God is always near, God is always here. We are always welcome to call on God for help, guidance, mercy, compassion, comfort, and love. It is never too late to call on God.

Today I will intentionally make conscious contact with God. I will ask God to lead me where I need to be and then rest in stillness for a minute to listen to God’s voice in my heart of hearts.

Thy will, not mine

Adriaan de Weerdt (ca. 1510 – ca. 1590)
oil and tempera on panel
first half 16th century
National Museum in Warsaw

Jesus advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39

At times God’s will that we love God, ourselves, and our neighbor leads us into challenging, lonely, or frightening situations. The example of Jesus shows us we can trust that God sustains us no matter what we face—and that following the Way of Love is the path to deep spiritual healing.

Today I will empty myself and open my mind and heart to know and carry out God’s will.

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.