A nanosecond of silence. The compassion of strangers. The comfort of family and friends. The difficulty of pain, illness, or stress.
In unexpected moments of grace, we are made aware of the presence of the Lord and our hearts leap with joy.
[Elizabeth said,] “And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Luke 1:43
Pieter Brueghel the Elder (1526/1530–1569)
The Sermon of St John the Baptist
oil on oak, 1566
Budapest, Museum of Fine Arts
How many coats do I have? Jackets? Sweaters? What if I were to give one away to someone who has none.
How many cans, bottles, boxes, packages of food are in my cupboards? What if I were to give some away to the hungry.
God’s prophets point us to the Way of generous awareness of the needs of others.
[John the Baptist said to them,] “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Luke 3:11
Jeanne Kun
The Root of Jesse
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,
and for you I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4-5
Mary Ann McSweeny 