T’oros Roslin (ca.1210-1270)
Jesus Walks on the Sea, 1262

During the fourth watch of the night, [Jesus] came toward [the disciples] walking on the sea. Matthew 14:25

I sense an eagerness in Jesus. I sense that he wants very much to be with his friends and so he takes the quickest way to meet them: by walking on the sea.

How humbling to know the Lord is eager to be with us. How humbling for me to realize how often I am afraid to be in the Lord’s presence, how often I am afraid of the Lord’s powerful and unceasing love for me.

Today I will walk on the sea of love and trust as I consciously seek the presence of God. If I falter, I will ask the Lord to save me from my fear of loving and being loved.

White, Ellen G., Christ’s Object Lessons. Oakland, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Company, 1900, p.42

And Jesus spoke to them at length in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow.” Matthew 13:3

The soil of my heart varies day to day, sometimes moment to moment. Sometimes I don’t understand the Word of God and don’t take the time to study and meditate on it. Sometimes pain and fear of others’ disapproval prevent me from believing in and speaking the Word of God’s presence and love and forgiveness. Sometimes financial hardship and job worries and the heartbreak of racist acts and abuse and human trafficking consume my thoughts and I have no energy to trust that God is in charge and has a vision of love and peace for the world.

And sometimes my heart is soft and open and ready to receive the Good News of God’s compassion, forgiveness, and mercy. Then I am able to love my neighbor and do good to those who hurt me. Then I bear the rich fruit of peace and nonviolence. Then I treat all human persons with respect and kindness.

Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Christ Carrying the Cross

Jesus said to his apostles: “…whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38

We are carrying a number of crosses today: the public crosses of the COVID-19 pandemic, racism, bullying, abuse, self-serving  leadership,  destructive sandstorms, wild fires, and floods.

We also carry personal crosses such as pain, illness, family divisions, addiction, loneliness, and grief.

No matter the cross we carry, Jesus asks us to follow him on the Way of Love and Compassion.

Today I will bring God’s love with me wherever I go. I will trust love will lighten the burdens that I and others carry.