Category Archives: Psalm 95

Faith in God’s vision

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
The Mulberry Tree
oil on canvas, October 1889
Norton Simon Museum

Then the LORD answered me and said: Write down the vision clearly upon the tablets, so that one can read it readily.
For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not disappoint; if it delays, wait for it, it will surely come, it will not be late. Habakkuk 2:2-3

Our faith in the Lord’s vision of unity, peace, and love gives us the courage and self-control to continue on the Way of nonviolent resistance to injustice, persecution, and inhumane treatment of the members of our human family.

Today I will soften my heart and listen to the Lord’s voice calling me to embody unity, peace, and love. I will ask the Holy Spirit to empower me to follow the Way of Jesus with faith and courage.

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.

The love we owe

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Deux ou trois personnes assemblées
en mon nom
gouache over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another. Romans 13:8

I owe you nothing except to love you—which means I owe you welcome, kindness, forgiveness, acceptance, compassion, mercy, justice.

Today I will not harden my heart when I hear God’s voice of love. I will offer all members of God’s precious human family the love I owe them.