Tag Archives: Catholic

The Lord is near

Third Sunday of Advent

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?”
He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Luke 3:10-11

John the Baptist points the way to joy: we are to share what we have generously and with great kindness. The light of joy brightens us as we share food, clothing, shelter, refuge, hope, and compassion with those who have none.

Today I will remember the Lord is near. I will move towards him with joy and serve him by sharing what I have with those who have none.

God’s beloved

Second Sunday of Advent

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception. Philippians 1:9

God loves every single person on this planet completely and unconditionally. That is the knowledge and perception I pray for: to recognize each member of the human family as God’s beloved and to treat each person with the kindness and respect that is their birthright.

Today I will pray for someone I find difficult to love.

Increase love

First Sunday of Advent
First Sunday of Advent

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all. 1 Thessalonians 3:12

The life of Jesus makes known the ways of the Lord. When we decide to follow Jesus, we intentionally choose the Way of love, healing, peace, justice, compassion, and respect for all people, especially the poor and marginalized.

Today I will increase my love for my neighbor by making a donation to a food pantry.

Love is the Truth

Ge, N. N. (Nikolaĭ Nikolaevich), 1831-1894
“What is truth?” Christ and Pilate
Tretyakov Gallery

[Jesus answered,] “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” John 18:37

The truth: God created us out of an almighty, everlasting love that is and was and is to come. There is no beginning and no end to God’s love. We dwell in God’s love in this very moment and always will.

Today I will testify to God’s love by loving my neighbor as myself.

Open my eyes, Lord

Lord, that I might see!, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

Jesus said to [Bartimaeus], “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:51-52

Jesus meets us where we are with genuine interest in how he can help us. In faith and with humility, we must be ready to ask the Lord for what we want and need.

Lord, open my eyes to see your will for me. Heal me that I may follow you on the Way.

To serve

Lori Shaull
26 January 2017

Jesus said to them, “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45

A young friend of mine has become the target of unjust practices at her workplace and has taken a stand for justice. Even though she may never know the far-reaching results of her call for justice, her mental, physical, and emotional sacrifice performs a lasting service for others who are being or will be treated unjustly.

Lord, let your mercy be on us as we experience suffering when walking your Way of peace and justice. May we serve the needs of all those who have no one to advocate for them.

All things are possible

James Tissot (1836-1902)
The Rich Young Man Went Away Sorrowful (Le jeune homme riche s’en alla triste)
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, 1886–1896
Brooklyn Museum

Jesus said, “All things are possible for God.” Mark 10:27

We can do all things through God, with God, and in God because God’s Word and Spirit live within us. We are God’s voice, ears, eyes, hands, and heart in the world. We have the power to intentionally choose words, actions, and behaviors that prove us to be effective bearers of God’s love, generosity, compassion, forgiveness, and healing.

Today I will pray for a spirit of wisdom and the grace to share my love and possessions with those in need.

Like a child

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Laisser venir à moi les petits enfants
opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

Jesus said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Mark 10:14-15

Today I will go to the Lord like a child: Precious in my limitations. Trusting. Vulnerable. Loving and ready to be loved. I will confide in him all that troubles me and rest, knowing I am heard, blessed, and healed by his love and compassion.

For Jesus

Millstone, Garyport
Kenneth Allen
geograph.org.uk

Jesus replied, “For whoever is not against us is for us.” Mark 9:40

Anyone who treats others with love, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, generosity, and nonviolence is for Jesus.

Today I will remember every person is made in the image and likeness of God’s goodness and love. I will welcome everyone I meet as a member of God’s precious family.

Gentle and full of mercy

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Jésus et le petit enfant
opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum

Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. James 3:16-18

The Scriptures are like a spiritual emery board, gently smoothing my tendency to put myself first, hold on to grudges, and ignore the needs of the vulnerable. The Scriptures teach me that the Way of Christ is to make a priority of the needs of God’s children at every level of society, from babies and toddlers to the the hungry and the homeless, the elderly and infirm, the sick and dying, the lonely and forgotten.

Today I will remember all people are God’s vulnerable children. In peace and sincerity, I will reach out to help someone in need.