Sunrise coast La Palma
Luc Viatour / www.Lucnix.be
The Holy Spirit is our trusted guide as we, with reverence, approach the mystery that surrounds, enfolds, and gives meaning and purpose to the relationship between the natural world, our communities, and all of humankind.
For the Spirit scrutinizes everything, even the depths of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10)
Rembrandt (1606-1669)
The Three Crosses (third state)
drypoint and burin on paper (III/IV), 1653
Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum
Today I pray for the grace to be emptied of arrogance, fear, and self-seeking, and to be filled with humility, love, and generosity to those in need.
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself. Phillipians 2:6-7a
Enders Island
December 28, 2015
Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
It is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing
but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Jan Cossiers, 1600-1671
The wedding at Cana: Jesus blesses the water
oil on canvas, 1641-1660
Herentals, Saint Waltrude’s Church
You have gifts to offer. Gifts in abundance. Humor. Hospitality. Kindness. Comfort.
A listening ear. A homemade meal. A well-tended garden. A prayer.
Forgiveness. Acceptance. Compassion. Love.
You have so many gifts that bless our world.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Christ and Nicodemus
pen and wash, between 1621 and 1669
via Wikimedia Commons
Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another;
for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
[Jesus said to his disciples:] “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
I owe you nothing except to extend to you the love of Jesus—the compassion, forgiveness, and comfort of God. I owe you nothing except to respect you and treat you the way I would like to be treated. I owe you nothing except to accept you just as you are in this moment and show you kindness and courtesy.
If I bring Jesus with me wherever I go, I am with you in Love and we are in the presence of Love.
El Greco (1541-1614)
Apostles Peter and Paul, ca.1592
Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg
[Jesus] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Matthew 16:15
I can’t control God with labels. All I can do is rest in the presence of the Divine and be filled with the gifts chosen for me.
All I can do is model myself—to the best of my ability—on Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, Compassion of God, Father of Mercies, God of All Comfort.
All I can do is let God be God and turn my will and my life over to God’s tender care and loving direction.
Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. 2 Corinthians 13:13
Place yourself where Wisdom, Love, and Life meet. Quiet your heart in the presence of Infinite Mercy, Endless Compassion, and Boundless Creativity. Rest in Unity, Community, and Wholeness.
Silent.
Listening.
Open.
The Flight into Egypt
Attributed to Rembrandt, via Wikimedia Commons
Take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of your sins
—a house raised in justice to you. Sirach 3:12-14
He is so fragile, my father, and every day getting physically smaller as his Spirit outgrows his frail body.
He doesn’t know us any more, but his smile is as sweet as ever and lights up his eyes. “I love you,” he says over and over. He hasn’t lost the inner wisdom that still knows how to “put on love, the bond of perfection.”
Mary Ann McSweeny 