Remain faithful to the grace of God.
Acts 13:43d
We are graced to hear in the voice of Jesus unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, and peace for all people of every nation, race, culture, and tongue. May our hearts be open to become what we hear.
Today I will open my heart to hear the gentle voice of Jesus the Good Shepherd calling me to love my neighbor as myself.
Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” John 21:12a
Jesus is so understanding of our needs. He knows we need rest after working hard. He knows we need food and comfort. He knows we need a good friend and companionship. He knows we need the reassurance of his presence in every moment and in all of our daily activities.
Today I will accept Jesus’ invitation to spend a little time with him.
Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19
Peace in our hearts. Peace in our minds. Peace in our homes. Peace in our families. Peace in our neighborhoods. Peace in our country. Peace in our world.
Today I will open my mind and heart to receive the peace of Christ. In all my encounters, I will intentionally choose words and actions that reflect Christ’s peace.
For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead. John 20:9
We rarely understand God’s vision for us or for the world. Where we see disharmony, God is creating harmony. Where we see suffering, God is healing wounds. Where we see death, God is preparing a glorious resurrection.
Today I will thank Jesus for teaching me how to empty myself of ego and humbly do God’s will of love and service to others. I will sit quietly and contemplate what rising from the dead means to me.
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Psalm 22:2a
When we experience trauma, our sense of God’s loving, infinite presence shuts off.
But whatever we are suffering, and whether we remember God or not, God is always present to sustain us.
Today I will remember I am safe in the heart of God. I will empty myself of the need to be in control, thank God for sheltering me, and trust that all shall be well.
[Jesus] straightened up and said to them,
“Let the one among you who is without sin
be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7
Jesus always points out to us the God-like way to treat people. Mercy, compassion, nonviolence, forgiveness, patience, courtesy… these are God-like choices we can practice with everyone we meet.
Today I will have faith in Christ and imitate him. I will choose God-like practices in my interactions with all people.
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[Jesus addressed this parable to them:] “His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you; I no longer deserve to be called your son.'” Luke 15:21
It isn’t easy to admit I’m wrong, that I’ve caused harm with my words, actions, attitudes, and behaviors. But God is always calling me home to the original harmonic of goodness and love, peace and compassion. When I pay attention to God’s will for me, I find the humility to take responsibility for what I have done or failed to do.
Today I will turn to God and ask for the courage to take the initiative to be reconciled with God and my neighbor.
Jesus told them this parable… “[The gardener] said to [the orchard owner] in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.'” Luke 13:8-9
We are called to cultivate and feed our true nature of love and goodness in order to help bring peace, justice, and love to our troubled world. Praying, meditating, contemplating sacred Scripture, and taking time just to be are ways to nurture our hearts, minds, and bodies so that we bear the good fruit of love and goodness in our daily lives.
Today I will ask God to remove any obstacle that prevents me from fostering the growth of mercy, kindness, patience, and generosity towards those who are afraid, suffering, or in need of sanctuary.
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. Luke 9:28b-29
Prayer opens our hearts and minds to the presence of God. In trust and vulnerability, we allow ourselves to receive healing of all the trauma and wounds that have become stumbling blocks on our journey to wholeness. God’s grace transforms us inwardly and outwardly into humble, faithful servants of God’s love in the world.
Today I will consciously seek God’s presence through prayer and meditation. I will ask God, “How can I help and serve you today?” I will listen for God’s response and follow through to the best of my ability.
Jesus said to [the devil] in reply, “It also says,
‘You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.‘” Luke 4:12
We have no need to test God. Even in dark times, God is with us. God doesn’t protect us from anything, but God sustains us in everything.
Today I will trust God is near me. I will trust God to sustain me as I do my best to embody nonviolence, peace, kindness, compassion, and welcome—even in the dark times.
Mary Ann McSweeny 