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: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them.” John 10:11-12
The wolf that divides and scatters us is fear: fear of those whose beliefs are different from ours, fear of change, fear of diversity, fear of unity, fear of being overlooked, fear of betrayal, fear of touching those who are ill, fear of rejection, fear of pain, fear of not having enough, fear of loving, fear of being loved.
With infinite love, patience, and kindness, the Good Shepherd carries us through the fear and guides us back to wholeness and oneness.
Today I will take refuge with the Good Shepherd and trust his guidance. I will put my attention on God’s kindness and mercy instead of fear. I will thank God for hearing me when I ask for help.
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. 1 John 3a
Each of us is a beloved child of God, created by God’s love for the purpose of sharing God’s love with everyone we encounter.
What prevents me from recognizing myself and others as children of the God of love?
Camille Pissarro (1830-1903)
Landscape with Flock of Sheep
oil on canvas, 1889 and 1902
Norton Simon Museum
Today I am especially in need of the gentle guidance and tender care of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. I am grateful for his kind attention.
May I be gentle, tender, and kind towards others, too, for they may also be in need of compassion.
Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11
Anton Mauve, 1838-1888
Shepherd and Sheep
oil on canvas, ca.1880
Cincinnati Museum of Art
via Wikimedia Commons
Sometimes I lay down my life for a while when a friend is in need. I put aside my own chores, amusements, or quiet time to listen and encourage. When the time is right, I take up my life again and go on.
Sometimes I lay down my life for a while when my elderly father needs an advocate. I make phone calls, ask for information, and get some answers on his behalf. When the time is right, I take up my life again and go on.
I have the power to lay down my life for the moment and help others. I have the power to take up my life again and move on without having lost myself. It is my privilege and calling to exercise this power in a way that reflects the example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
[Jesus said:] “No one takes [my life] from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father.” John 10:18
Mary Ann McSweeny 