Remember that your compassion, O LORD,
and your love are from of old.
In your kindness remember me,
because of your goodness, O LORD. Psalm 25:6-7
Teach my your way of kindness and goodness, Lord. Grant me the grace to remember all people are in need of compassion. Open my heart to welcome and listen to those who are suffering.
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” John 1:38
When I call myself a follower of Jesus, I am looking to be more like him in kindness, patience, nonviolence, forgiveness, compassion. I am looking to be more like him in following God’s will even when it doesn’t seem to make sense, being aware of the needs of others, helping the ill, the lonely, the discouraged.
Today I will take time in quiet prayer to consider what I am looking for as I follow Jesus. I will ask for the grace to be more like him in my interactions with others.
The Magi opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11
We carry so many gifts in us. Kindness. Hospitality. Respect. Creativity. Forgiveness. Generosity. Good humor. Helpfulness. Love.
Whenever we offer our gifts to others, we offer them to the Lord.
Today I will open the treasure of my heart and share one of my gifts with someone in need.
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12
May I live each day clothed in the love of God, neighbor, and self.
Today I will intentionally walk in the ways of the Lord. I will look for and honor God’s presence in every person.
“‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.'”Matthew 25:37-30
Today I will bring a little food to the food pantry, smile a welcome to someone I don’t know, write a note someone who is ill or troubled—and honor Christ in each precious person.
For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5
Our light is the Christ, the light of goodness, the light of love, the light of compassion, the light of mercy, the light of forgiveness, the light of healing.
Today I will shine my light of goodness and love wherever I find myself.
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Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. Wisdom 6:12
The wisdom of God is in our hearts. Our hearts know how to love, how to forgive, how to welcome others, how to discern truth and justice.
Today I will replenish my supply of patience, mercy, kindness, and compassion by spending five minutes alone with the Lord. I will find wisdom by listening to the love in my heart.
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Jesus said, “You have but one teacher, the Christ.” Matthew 23:8b
May my life—every word, action, and attitude—center on what Christ has taught me:
Welcome everyone.
Forgive everyone.
Love everyone.
Today I will find peace in carrying out the lessons Christ my teacher has taught me.
At that Jesus said to them, “Then repay to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God.” Matthew 22:21
Kindness, compassion, forgiveness, healing, peace, joy, reverence, and love belong to God.
Today I will repay God’s love for me by respecting and honoring all people everywhere.
Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage. Psalm 23:4
We are walking in a dark valley at this time in history. War and hatred are not God’s way. Peace and love are God’s way.
Today I will remember the Lord is walking beside me and leading me in his way. I will release all fear. I will have the courage to love my neighbor even when we do not see eye to eye.
Mary Ann McSweeny 