James Tissot (1836-1902)
Le semeur
opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum
All people, including me, no matter what’s going on in the world, are in the tender, compassionate, comforting care of God.
Today I thank God for taking care of me.
There is no god besides you who have the care of all. Wisdom 12:13
Sea of Galilee
Photochrom print (color photo lithograph), between 1890 and 1905
Sound travels further over water. When the crowd gathers around him, Jesus gets in the boat to make it easier for everyone to hear his teaching.
How blessed are we that our Lord is eager to speak to us and make sure we hear his voice. Today I will take time to listen.
On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. Matthew 13:1-2
Charles Cousen (1819-1889)
Engraving after R. Beavis
The heaviest part of today’s burden is not the migraine. It is the negative self-judgment. I am disappointed in my physical frailty and inability to do all that needs to be done.
But I can handle my most pressing need: to take time to partner with the One who is eager to give me rest. It is enough, it is more than enough, it is my calling to let the Lord teach me God’s care and compassion.
[Jesus said,] “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
The cross is here every day. Sometimes it feels like pain, fatigue, swollen feet. Sometimes it acts like crankiness, indifference, fear. Sometimes it attacks like shame, resentment, despair.
To carry the cross is one thing. To practice trust, love, compassion, peace, forgiveness, and nonviolence despite its weight is another. But this is the way of Jesus that I am called to follow.
[Jesus said to his apostles,] “…and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38
Bilal Mirza
House Sparrows in Pakistan, 2008
God notices each of us, right down to the last hair on our heads.
But I am not always quick to notice others and their needs. I am not always ready to reassure others they are precious in the eyes of God. I am often controlled by fear and unable to share God’s love with those I encounter.
Today I will let God’s loving care transform me into a loving presence for others.
[Jesus said,] “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:29-31
Pieter Breugel the Elder (between 1526-1530 – 1569)
Caritas (Charity) – The Seven Acts of Mercy – Detail of the Feeding of the Hungry
pen in brown ink, 1559
Hungry.
For love. Compassion. Peace. Kindness. Generosity. Forgiveness. Understanding. Acceptance. Encouragement. Companionship. Hope. Meaning. Purpose. Rest.
Today I ask the One who is the bread of life to feed me. And I pray for the grace to share what I am freely given with everyone I encounter.
[Jesus said,] “Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.” John 6:57-58
By Gunnar Bach Pedersen (Own work (Own photo)) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Can God trust me with this holy mission?
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17
The power of wind and fire is within each breath I take. This is the gift of God’s Holy Spirit.
How will I make use of the power of the Spirit in me today? How can I help fulfill the Lord’s vision of peace and unity and love among all people?
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 2:2-4
Chris Cook, b.1962
Men of Galilee
Acrylic on canvas
Love, forgiveness, compassion, nonviolence, prayer, generosity, service to the poor… does my life witness teach others these commands of the Lord?
Today I will remember Jesus is with me and ask for the courage to embody his commands. I will look to others to be my teachers, too, so that I may become more skilled in the ways of the Lord.
Then Jesus approached and said to them, “…[teach] them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18a, 20a
Simone Cantarini, 1612-1648
Holy Trinity, 17th c.
Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil
God’s Holy Spirit lives and breathes with, in, and through us. We are in the Lord, the Lord is in us. We are dependent upon the Lord, and the Lord depends on us to be the eyes and ears and hands and hearts of God’s love and compassion in the world.
[Jesus said to his disciples,] “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I in you.” John 14:20
Mary Ann McSweeny 