“[Jesus] asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Mark 8:27

He is not the Messiah of politics, power, and prestige.

He is the Messiah of compassion, comfort, and caring.

Today I will embody the love, mercy, and kindness of Jesus who reminds us we are made in the image of God’s love and goodness.

“[Jesus] makes the deaf hear and the mute speak.” Mark 7:37

From Jesus, I am learning to listen to others with patience, kindness, and acceptance. I am learning to hear distress, anxiety, and grief behind complaints, anger, and blame. I am learning to speak words of comfort, encouragement, and healing. I am learning the healing of silence and the necessity of using appropriate words at the right moment.

Today I will take a minute to listen to my heart and hear the love of God. I will speak with compassion to myself and all those I encounter.

Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them,
“Hear me, all of you, and understand. Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.” Mark 7:14-15

God made me in God’s own image of goodness and love. Today I will remain in God. I will refuse to be distracted and harried by the negativity, blame, manipulation, shame, and fear that bombard me from all sides. I will let my true nature of kindness, patience, encouragement, and comfort flow out of me to help heal our sorrowing world.

When [Jesus] disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34

A few of the things Jesus has taught me:
– Love my neighbor.
– Forgive those who hurt me.
– Don’t judge myself or others.
– Welcome strangers.
– Notice people and be aware of and attentive to their needs.
– Pray always.

Today I will practice one of the things Jesus has taught me by his word and example.