Tag Archives: art

Have mercy

Dirck van Delen, 1604/5-1671 Church Interior with the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14) Oil on Panel, 1653 Clark Art Institute

Dirck van Delen, 1604/5-1671
Church Interior with the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14)
Oil on Panel, 1653
Clark Art Institute

Humility allows me to see the truth of my talents, blessings, and strengths as well as my failings, shortcomings, and weaknesses. I will never be perfect, but the all of me—without pretense or justification, shame or pride—is my gift to God. I know God always welcomes me and my humble gift with love, forgiveness, and compassion.

“‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’” Luke 18:13b

God’s in charge

John Everett Millais (1829-1896) Illustration of the Parable of the Unjust Judge from the New Testament Gospel of Luke (Luke 18:1-9) for The Parables of Our Lord (1863)

John Everett Millais (1829-1896)
Illustration of the Parable of the Unjust Judge from the New Testament Gospel of Luke (Luke 18:1-9) for The Parables of Our Lord (1863)

Do I have faith that God is in charge? That God has a vision of peace and love for the whole world? Do I have faith that when I practice kindness, forgiveness, respect, compassion, and nonviolence I am contributing to God’s vision?

If my faith is wavering, I need to be persistent in prayer, confiding my worries and fears and weaknesses to God and listening for God’s response.

[Jesus said,] “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Luke 18:8b

 

Healing thanks

Codex Aureus Epternacensis Cleansing of the ten lepers, ca.1035-1040

Codex Aureus Epternacensis
Cleansing of the ten lepers, ca.1035-1040

I am not always quick to realize a bit of healing has happened to me. It might be a lessening of anxiety, or a comforting word from a friend, or a few moments when I am quiet and not pushing to do something, or a letting go of comparing my way of life to that of others.

Today I will reflect on healing I have experienced and take some time to thank the Lord.

And one of [the ten lepers], realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. Luke 17:15-16a

Like the rich man?

Gustave Doré, 1832-1883 The parable of the rich man and Lazarus, from the Gospel of Luke 1891

Gustave Doré (1832-1883)
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus, from the Gospel of Luke
Print, 1891

How am I different from the rich man? Do I notice the people around me? Am I attuned to others’ suffering? Do I make an effort to assuage the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual distress of those in need? Am I tormented by my lack of compassion and indifference towards refugees, drug addicts, alcoholics, the unemployed, and victims of human trafficking?

Today I will pay attention to the people I encounter and give help wherever—and as generously as—possible.

[Jesus said to the Pharisees:] “Abraham replied, ‘My child, remember that you received what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.'” Luke16:25

 

Very small matters

Притча о неверном управителе. 2012 г. Холст, масло. 80×70. Художник А.Н. Миронов Parable of the Unjust Steward‎. 2012. Canvas, oil. 80 x 70. Artist A.N. Mironov

Притча о неверном управителе. 2012 г.
Холст, масло. 80×70.
Художник А.Н. Миронов
Parable of the Unjust Steward‎. 2012.
Canvas, oil. 80 x 70.
Artist A.N. Mironov

Today I am practicing trustworthiness in very small matters. I said my morning prayers, fed the cats, made the bed, ate breakfast, cleaned the cat boxes, and hung the laundry on the line. I washed the dishes, emptied the garbage, took a walk, wrote in my journal, and wrote a birthday note to my aunt, who turns eighty-seven this week.

These simple activities—along with others—will add up to be my day. They don’t seem to be worth very much, but this morning I asked God to show me what to do and how to do it. This seems to be what God is showing me: to take responsibility for this tiny corner of the world that is mine—and to do it with love.

“The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones.”
Luke 16:10

Welcome home

James. B. Janknegt 2 Sons Oil on canvas

James. B. Janknegt     2 Sons     Oil on canvas

How good it feels when someone is is keeping an eye out for my arrival and is happy to see me. A warm welcome is one of the best gifts there is.

Sometimes I feel I have wandered far from the love and serenity God offers me. Anxiety, financial worries, and illness can contrive to make me self-centered instead of God-centered. When I become aware of the spiritual starvation my self-absorption has caused, I take comfort in knowing God, the Master of Compassion, has been looking out for me and is here to welcome me home.

“While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him, and was filled with compassion.” Luke 15:20b

Today’s cross

Ruizanglada (1929-2001) Agnus Dei - Serie Negra, 1995 Expuesto en la 1ª Feria de Arte Contemporáneo de San Sebastián Donostiartean 7-11 agosto 2014.

Ruizanglada (1929-2001)
Agnus Dei – Serie Negra, 1995
Expuesto en la 1ª Feria de Arte Contemporáneo de San Sebastián Donostiartean 7-11 agosto 2014.

Today’s cross is heavy and I am struggling to carry it. Sometimes I wish someone else would take on the burden, but I know I am responsible and accountable for how I respond to life with its challenges, adventures,  mishaps—and pleasures and blessings.

There are kind and compassionate people who are willing to walk with me as I limp along with my cross. Their love, good humor, patience, and companionship give me the encouragement I need to keep going.

And when there are no people to walk with, I know the Lord is there: behind, before, and beside me.

[Jesus addressed the crowds,] “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27

Let go of greed

Teachings_of_Jesus_26_of_40._parable_of_the_rich_man._Jan_Luyken_etching._Bowyer_BibleI struggle with my obsession to have on hand an over-abundance of cat food to tempt finicky feline appetites, extra rolls of paper towels and unopened boxes of tissues, and a stash of chocolate in case my cookie supply runs out.

Holding on to material goods is a form of greed. It reflects a deeper issue: a lack of faith that my needs—physical and spiritual—are in God’s capable charge.

Today I will remember to turn to the Source of Life when I worry about not having enough. And I will open my hands and heart to find someone with whom I can share my plenty.

Then [Jesus] told them a parable. “There was a rich man whose land produced a bountiful harvest. He asked himself, ‘What shall I do, for I do not have space to store my harvest?’” Luke 12:16-17

A serving of attention

Johannes Vermeer, 1632-1675 Christ in the House of Martha and Mary oil on canvas, between ca.1654 and ca.1656 Scottish National Gallery

Johannes Vermeer, 1632-1675
Christ in the House of Martha and Mary
oil on canvas, between ca.1654 and ca.1656
Scottish National Gallery

Today I will welcome the Lord. I will offer him the hospitality of my heart and sit at his feet to listen to and learn from him. I will serve him with my attention.

Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Luke 10:38-39

Focus on Compassion

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890_ Der barmherzige Samariter (nach Delacroix) Saint-Rémy, May 1890 oil on canvas Kröller-Müller Museum

Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890)
Der barmherzige Samariter (nach Delacroix)
Saint-Rémy, May 1890
oil on canvas
Kröller-Müller Museum

The focus of the parable of the Good Samaritan is not on the robbers who beat the traveler and left him half-dead. It is not on the indifferent, fearful priest and Levite.

Jesus puts our attention on the Samaritan who, out of compassion for the injured traveler, stopped and helped, and went out of his way to do what he could to aid the recovery of the wounded person.

Today I will put my attention and energy on showing compassion to those in need. I will keep my focus on  manifesting the mercy of God with my thoughts, words, and actions. I will not make idols of the violence, indifference, and fear that plague our world.

[Jesus replied,] “Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” [The scholar of the law] answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Luke 10:36-37