Tag Archives: art

All in Christ

Gerard de Jode (1509-1591)
The Parable of the Rich Fool, 1585
Royal Library of Belgium

Here there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:11

We are the body of Christ. Christ in you. Christ in me. Christ in those I have a hard time accepting. Christ in those who resent me. Christ in our hearts, minds, bodies, spirits. Christ in all. All in Christ.

Lord, today I will let go of the Christ in me to bless everyone I meet wherever I go.

Seek God’s presence

Ask and receive

Jesus said, “For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:10

Knock at the door of your heart. Seek the presence of the Lord in the goodness and love you find there. Confide your inmost longings to this holy presence and ask for whatever you need.

Lord, today I will trust that you are here in my heart, in the heart of my neighbor, in every bit of creation. I will seek your loving presence with every breath.

Beside the Lord

Martha and Mary

LORD, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy mountain?
Who does not slander with his tongue,
does no harm to a friend,
never defames a neighbor.
Psalm 15: 1, 3

Today may my words be respectful and encouraging. May my actions be kind and helpful. May I recognize God in everyone I meet and may I treat all people with reverence.

Lord, today I will sit, stand, walk, and serve beside you. Teach me your way of peace and love.

Peace carriers

The Mission

The Lord said, “Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.'” Luke 10:5

We are called by the Lord to be peace carriers. That is our mission and our privilege.

Lord, fill me with your peace that I may bless everyone I meet with peace.

Be love

For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Galatians 5:14

Today I will intentionally seek ways to love my neighbor as myself. I will start this practice by encouraging, understanding, welcoming, and comforting myself and others.

Lord, help me to be love in my corner of the world.

Fed by love

Feeding the multitude
Bibliothèque nationale de France

Jesus said to them, “Give them some food yourselves.” Luke 9:13a

Today I will remember I am always being fed by God’s patience, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and peace. I will give this same food to everyone I encounter.

Heart-energy

João Cautela
Lighting from the Heart, 2011
“With all the lights in the world turning off, I’m hoping the ones in our hearts keep lighting forever…”

Thus says the wisdom of God: “I found delight in the human race.” Proverbs 8:31

Let us dare to step into the heart-energy of the unity of the Holy Trinity.

Then will we know God’s love heals everything, especially the dis-ease that continues to divide our world.

Then will we understand the importance of our practice of respect, courtesy, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, and peace.

Then will we find delight in our family, friends, and neighbors.

Lord, you have poured your love into our hearts. May I delight in your gift of love and recognize it in all people everywhere.

We are God’s people

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

The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:52

In every moment I have the option to rejoice in God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.

May I remember to turn to the light in hard times. May I ask the Lord to guide me in the way of wisdom, understanding, compassion, forgiveness, peace, and kindness.

Come, have breakfast

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Apparition du Christ sur les bords du lac de Tibériade gouache over graphite on gray wove paper
between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

O LORD, be my helper. Psalm 30:11b

Let me not be ashamed to ask for the Lord’s help as often as I need. The Lord will not withhold from me. Let me always remember to say thank you.

Lord, may I rely on you to feed me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. May your unfailing, kind attention fill me with gratitude.

Peace be with you

The Incredulity of Thomas, 15th c.

Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19b

Let us not doubt the Lord’s peace. It is a peace of the heart, the peace of knowing God is here, with us now and forever. We have not been forsaken, no matter how outside events appear. The vision is God’s, the timing is God’s, the peace is ours for the taking.

Lord, whatever I am experiencing today, I know you are here with me. Help me to receive your peace and extend it to all people everywhere.