Tag Archives: art

Peace be with you

Guercino (1591-1666)
Doubting Thomas
oil on canvas, 1621
Residenzgalerie Salzburg

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

What the Lord wants for us is peace. Peace in our hearts. Peace in our families. Peace in our communities. Peace between countries. Peace for all people everywhere.

Today I will receive the Lord’s gift of peace and intentionally give it away to anyone I meet wherever I may happen to be. May I reflect the peace of God in my thoughts, words, behaviors, and actions.

Feel the hush and hope

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.
John 20:1

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad. Psalm 118:24

When the stone of resistance is removed from my heart, I will be emptied of sadness, betrayal, despair, pain, resentment, and fear. I will feel the hush and hope of the Resurrection.

Lord Jesus, you have been through everything I am going through. I trust you are helping and guiding me in every moment. Lead me in the light of your love that I too may offer others the gift of hope and gladness.

Trust God’s will

John Anthony (1823–1901)
Garden of Gethsemane and View of Jerusalem
Albumen silver print from glass negative, 1860s
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jesus said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Take this cup away from me, but not what I will but what you will.” Mark 14:36

God’s will doesn’t always make sense to me. But when I remember the example of Jesus at Gethsemane, I find it easier to trust God’s will always leads me to life and love.

Lord, you are my help. Your wisdom is infinite and your vision pure Truth. Grant me the grace to empty myself of the need to be your equal. Show me your will for me today and help me to trust you are leading me deeper into the light of your presence.

Ego-emptying

Wheat and Sky

Jesus answered them, “Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be.” John 12:26

To serve the Lord, I must empty myself of anything and everything that prevents me from following him on the Way of love, forgiveness, mercy, and kindness.

Lord, create in me a pure heart that I may let go of ego and serve you and my neighbors without fear.

The gift of grace

Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) Jesus and Nicodemus, 1899

For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not from you; it is the gift of God;
it is not from works, so no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

There are no rewards, only gifts. Everything we receive from God is a gift of grace.

Today I will intentionally turn toward the light of God’s rich love and mercy for guidance in the choices I make, the words I speak, and the works I do.

Transformed by gratitude

Linda McCray
Transfiguration
acrylic & sand from the River Jordan and Montana
on floating wood panel

To you will I offer sacrifice of thanksgiving,
and I will call upon the name of the LORD.
Psalm 116:17

Giving thanks to the Lord transforms me from being self-centered to being God-centered. Calling on the name of the Lord reminds me Who is in charge.

Today I will cultivate a practice of giving thanks to God for everything, the pleasant and the difficult. I will call on the Lord to guide me into the healing light of compassion.

In the heart of God

Briton Rivière (1840–1920)
The Temptation in the Wilderness
oil on canvas, 1898
Guildhall Art Gallery

At once Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him.
Mark 1:12-13

The desert gives me space to examine my life and refuse the temptations of despair and indifference. The desert gives me space to release the wild beasts of fear and arrogance. The desert gives me space to put my hope in the Lord and welcome God’s angel messengers who care for me so generously.

Today I will go where the Spirit leads me. With love and trust, I will step into the heart of God and live from that holy place.

Greg Boyle, SJ speaks about living in the heart of God – Ash Wednesday 2024.

Make me clean

Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669)
Christus geneest een melaatse
Pen and ink drawing; 14.7 x 17.2 cm
c.1650-1655
Rijksprentenkabinet

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” Mark 1:40-41

The Lord does not withhold mercy, forgiveness, kindness, compassion, or guidance from us. He wishes us to be whole and healed. All we have to do is ask him for his grace-filled help.

Today I will turn to the Lord in times of trouble. I will ask for healing and trust the Lord hears and answers me.

Look for the Lord

James Tissot (1836-1902)
The Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-law (La guérison de la belle-mère de Pierre)
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, 1886-1894
Brooklyn Museum

Simon and those who were with Jesus pursued him
and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” Mark 1:36-37

When I feel restless, when I feel my life is a drudgery, when I feel lonely and sad, that’s when I intentionally go looking for the Lord. I ask him to be with me, heal me, show me how to be of service in this moment.

Today I will remember I am always in the presence of God who is good and gracious and wise, who heals my brokenness and gives me hope.

Listen

Alexandre Bida (1813-1895)
Jesus Teaches in the Synagogue, 1875

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Psalm 95:7-8

Jesus speaks with authority about taking care of the hungry, homeless, and imprisoned. He speaks with authority about welcoming strangers. He speaks with authority about loving my enemies and forgiving those who hurt me.

Today I will soften my heart, listen to the Lord’s call to love and care for each and every member of our human family, and respond in a concrete way.