Tag Archives: art

Christ Jesus is our peace

Camille Pissarro (1830-1903)
Landscape with Flock of Sheep
oil on canvas, 1889 and 1902
Norton Simon Museum

When Jesus disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34

Let us follow the teaching of the Lord, our shepherd, and take care of each other in peace and love. Let us follow his teaching and forgive those who hurt us. Let us follow his teaching and love one another, even our enemies.

Today I will intentionally choose peace over conflict, reconciliation over revenge, and love over indifference.

In unity and community

Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) Disciples Healing the Sick oil on cardboard, ca.1930 Clark Atlanta University Art Galleries

Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. Mark 6:7

We give and receive strength for life’s journey by walking, working, praying, grieving, and laughing with each other. Our relationships teach us to love, forgive, reconcile, and find peaceful solutions to conflict. When we spend time with those who suffer, we are healed in unfathomable ways and our compassion deepens.

Today I will claim the authority God has given me to work with others to heal all that prevents us from living in unity, including my own fears and prejudices.

By the grace of God

António de Oliveira Bernardes (1686/1687 – 1732)
A Rejeição de Jesus em Nazaré (“Um profeta não deixa de receber honra, senão na sua terra”)
painel de azulejos, século XVIII
Igreja da Misericórdia, Évora, Portugal

The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 9

Vulnerability and weakness remind me of my humanity. In humble awareness that I can do nothing without God, I turn to the Lord whose grace gives me the power to keep going.

Today I will ask the Lord to grace me with mercy, love, trust, and courage.

Be my helper, O Lord

James Tissot (1836-1902)
L’hémoroïsse
opaque watercolor over graphite
on gray wove paper
between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me;
O LORD, be my helper. Psalm 30:11

When all I can do is pray for help, faith tells me that God is with me, listening and answering.

Today I will turn to the Lord when I am troubled, in pain, distressed, or grieving. The Lord will help me.

God is in charge

James Ensor (1860-1949)
Christ Calming the Storm, ca.1906
Musée d’Ixelles, Brussels

Then Jesus asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” Mark 4:40

Faith tells me that whatever is happening in the world and in my life, God is in charge and all shall be well.

Today I will not let the storms of life terrify me. Instead I will put my attention on the Lord. I will ask him to increase my faith and help me trust God’s vision of love, peace, and unity is unfolding in God’s time.

A covenant of love

Laura James
Love One Another

The people all answered with one voice, “We will do everything that the LORD has told us.” Exodus 24:3

The Lord has told us to love one another. May we embody patience, kindness, respectful listening, nonviolence, forgiveness, gentleness, and generosity.

Let us join together to build up the Body of Christ in love and service to one another.

Led by the Spirit

Holy Trinity, 17th c.
Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil

For those who are led by the Spirit are children of God. Romans 8:14

The Spirit leads us to trust the goodness of our hearts, to look for the face of God in all people, to treat each member of God’s human family with loving kindness, to listen to others with patience and understanding, to breathe peace into every situation.

Today with child-like faith I will let the Spirit lead me into God’s heart of compassion and wisdom.

Receive and give

Holger Schué

Jesus breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:22

From the Risen Lord’s own breath, we receive the Holy Spirit: our breath mingling with God’s in an eternal communion of give and receive, receive and give.

Today I will receive the gifts and talents I have been given with gratitude and use one of them to benefit someone in need.

One

Jesus prayed saying: “Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.” John 17:11b

Let us be One
in kindness
in compassion
in nonviolence
in peace
in love.

Today I will remember we are all One in God. I will let God’s love and peace move in and through me to bless everyone I encounter.

Love one another

Jesus said: “This I command you: love one another.” John 15:17

Love comes in many forms: courtesy, civility, nonviolence, respect, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, compassion, companionship, listening, encouragement, welcome, acceptance, patience…

Holy Spirit, show me how to love today.