Category Archives: Psalm 118

Wounded but whole

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Guercino (1591-1666)
Doubting Thomas
oil on canvas, 1621
Residenzgalerie Salzburg

Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” John 20:26-27

The wounds we have experienced—wounds of betrayal, wounds of injustice, wounds of physical, sexual, mental, emotional, or spiritual abuse—are nothing to be ashamed of. They can transform us into new beings of compassion, patience, kindness, humility, faith, and hope. Our wounds do not define us; our identity is, always has been, and always will be beloved of God.

Today I will gently examine the wounds I bear and open my heart to believe in and know God’s everlasting love and healing. I will ask Jesus to show me how to transform the pain I have experienced into a deeper understanding of others’ suffering.

Carried by the Good Shepherd

Anton Mauve, 1838-1888 Shepherd and Sheep
oil on canvas, ca.1880
Cincinnati Museum of Art

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.” John 10:11-12

The wolf that divides and scatters us is fear: fear of those whose beliefs are different from ours, fear of change, fear of diversity, fear of unity, fear of being overlooked, fear of betrayal, fear of touching those who are ill, fear of rejection, fear of pain, fear of not having enough, fear of loving, fear of being loved.

With infinite love, patience, and kindness, the Good Shepherd carries us through the fear and guides us back to wholeness and oneness.

Today I will take refuge with the Good Shepherd and trust his guidance. I will put my attention on God’s kindness and mercy instead of fear. I will thank God for hearing me when I ask for help.

Feel the hush and hope

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
John 20:1

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. Psalm 118:24

When the stone of resistance is removed from my heart, I will be emptied of sadness, betrayal, despair, pain, resentment, and fear. I will feel the hush and hope of the Resurrection.

Lord Jesus, you have been through everything I am going through. I trust you are helping and guiding me in every moment. Lead me in the light of your love that I too may offer others the gift of hope and gladness.

Hope

Caravaggio
Mary Magdalene Grieving
oil on canvas, between 1605 and1606

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb. John 20:1

She probably couldn’t sleep from grief. She got up at the first possible moment and went to care for the body of Jesus. And he was gone.

When did she let go of the fear that someone had snatched his body and begin to hope he had risen from the dead?

Lord, help me to choose hope over fear. Let me rejoice in the gifts of today.