For the whole law is fulfilled in one statement, namely,
You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 5:14
And another said, “I will follow you, Lord,
but first let me say farewell to my family at home.”Luke 9:61
What delays me from following the way of Jesus in welcoming, forgiving, loving, showing compassion to, and living in peace with my neighbor?
Today I will practice awareness of the presence of the Lord in each moment.
Laura James
Jesus Feeds the 5000
He is trustworthy, our Lord. He welcomes us and does not reject us. He sees our needs and heals us. He feeds us with love, compassion, and forgiveness.
And he trusts us to do the same for our neighbors.
Today I will imitate the gracious hospitality and all-embracing love of the Lord.
Jesus received the crowds and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. Luke 9:11b
The Blue Marble
NASA/Apollo 17 crew; taken by either Harrison Schmitt or Ron Evans, December 7, 1972
We human persons are so small, frail, weak, and fragile. But filled with God’s Holy Spirit, we have the choice to be spacious in love, unbreakable in generosity, powerful in compassion, and invincible in forgiveness.
When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place — What is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him? Psalm 8:4-5
“Tame” does not describe the Holy Spirit. Be prepared to be surprised, overwhelmed, consumed, humbled, delighted by the movement of the Spirit in your life.
And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:2-4a
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William Rimmer (1816-1879)
Saint Stephen, 1860
Art Institute of Chicago
[Jesus prayed, saying, “Holy Father,] I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me.” John 17:22-23a
We are of God and in God, tiny sparks reflecting God’s glory.
How will I shine God’s glorious love and compassion in the world today?
We are in the Presence of God, now, in this moment. May I remember to call on the Holy Spirit to think, live, and speak for and through me to bring the love and peace of God to the world.
[Jesus said to his disciples:] “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:25-27
Shepherd girl with sheep and lamb in Nepal
Jesus said: “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27
There is One who knows my strengths and weaknesses, my gifts and defects, my successes and struggles.
Listen! It is the voice of Love who calls me to follow.
Laura James
Fish for Breakfast, Book of Gospels
laurajamesart.com
Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” John 21:12a
He knows our hunger, our loneliness, our pain, our suffering. He seeks our company and makes us welcome. He is the Lord of hope and comfort, wisdom and mercy, forgiveness and love.
He Qi, The Doubt of St. Thomas
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” John 20:21
The Risen Lord brings us peace and sends us forth to bring peace to others.
Where do I need to bring peace today?
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
You can’t keep the Lord closed up, locked up, buried, or hidden. Jesus goes where he wants, when he wants, to whom he wants. His presence proclaims and reminds us of God’s undying love for each of us. Be prepared to be surprised: the Lord walks among us.
Mary Ann McSweeny 