Tag Archives: Gospel of Matthew

Grace and peace

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Fourth Sunday of Advent

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” Matthew 1:22-23

God is with us. God is with us. God is with us.

There is nothing to fear. We can let go of anxiety, worry, distress, shame, negativity, blame. Jesus has come to make us whole in trust, love, compassion, mercy, grace, and peace.

Today I will open my heart to let the holiness of the Spirit within show me how to love myself and my neighbor.

Love is patient

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Third Sunday of Advent

You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:8

We need not look any further: the Lord is at hand in our hearts, in every person, every plant, every animal, every raindrop, every snowflake, every sunset. There is no need to be afraid. We are always in the heart of God.

Today I will be patient with myself and others as I cultivate the precious fruit of love for God and my neighbor.

In harmony

Second Sunday of Advent

Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide. Isaiah 11:3

When we welcome and accept people of all cultures, races, religions, and lifestyles without being influenced by others’ opinions, when we balance justice with mercy and are faithful to God’s command to love our neighbor, then we will bear the good fruit of harmony and fullness of peace that is God’s vision for our world.

Today I will ask God for a spirit of wisdom and understanding and a heart of kindness and compassion. May I do my part to fill my little corner of the world with the knowledge of the Lord and help heal the harm caused by fear, conflict, aggression, and division.

Light my way, Lord

First Sunday of Advent
First Sunday of Advent

“Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” Isaiah 2:3

The climb up the mountain to the house of the Lord demands perseverance, courage, and trust. The love, example, and presence of Jesus prepare, instruct, and sustain us as we make a commitment to walk in the paths of peace, justice, healing, forgiveness, nonviolence, and compassion.

Today I will ask the Holy Spirit to bring the healing light of compassionate love to all the dark places in my mind and heart that impede or prevent me from walking in the paths of the Lord.

Led by the Spirit

Holy Trinity, 17th c.
Biblioteca Nacional do Brasil

For those who are led by the Spirit are children of God. Romans 8:14

The Spirit leads us to trust the goodness of our hearts, to look for the face of God in all people, to treat each member of God’s human family with loving kindness, to listen to others with patience and understanding, to breathe peace into every situation.

Today with child-like faith I will let the Spirit lead me into God’s heart of compassion and wisdom.

A gift for you

JESUS MAFA. Visit of the Three Wise Men, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=48292 [retrieved January 7, 2024].

The Magi opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11

We carry so many gifts in us. Kindness. Hospitality. Respect. Creativity. Forgiveness. Generosity. Good humor. Helpfulness. Love.

Whenever we offer our gifts to others, we offer them to the Lord.

Today I will open the treasure of my heart and share one of my gifts with someone in need.

Honor Christ in each other

Montreal Soup Kitchen, 1931

“‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’
And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for me.'”Matthew 25:37-30

Today I will bring a little food to the food pantry, smile a welcome to someone I don’t know, write a note someone who is ill or troubled—and honor Christ in each precious person.

Christ light

Rembrandt (1606-1669)
La parabole des talents

For all of you are children of the light and children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. 1 Thessalonians 5:5

Our light is the Christ, the light of goodness, the light of love, the light of compassion, the light of mercy, the light of forgiveness, the light of healing.

Today I will shine my light of goodness and love wherever I find myself.

Fill up with wisdom

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Les vierges sages
gouache over graphite on gray wove paper
between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum of Art

Resplendent and unfading is wisdom, and she is readily perceived by those who love her, and found by those who seek her. Wisdom 6:12

The wisdom of God is in our hearts. Our hearts know how to love, how to forgive, how to welcome others, how to discern truth and justice.

Today I will replenish my supply of patience, mercy, kindness, and compassion by spending five minutes alone with the Lord. I will find wisdom by listening to the love in my heart.

Christ my teacher

James Tissot (1836-1902)
Malheur à vous, scribes et pharisiens
gouache over graphite on gray wove paper
between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum of Art

Jesus said, “You have but one teacher, the Christ.” Matthew 23:8b

May my life—every word, action, and attitude—center on what Christ has taught me:
Welcome everyone.
Forgive everyone.
Love everyone.

Today I will find peace in carrying out the lessons Christ my teacher has taught me.