Johannes Vermeer, 1632-1675
Christ in the House of Martha and Mary
oil on canvas, between ca.1654 and ca.1656
Scottish National Gallery
Today I will welcome the Lord. I will offer him the hospitality of my heart and sit at his feet to listen to and learn from him. I will serve him with my attention.
Jesus entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Luke 10:38-39
Gustave Doré (1832-1883)
The Fall of Satan
Illustration for John Milton’s “Paradise Lost“
engraving, 1866
God’s Spirit of love gives me the power to practice patience with those who aggravate me, visit someone who is lonely or ill, give food and clothing to those in need.
God’s Spirit of love gives me the power to say no to injustice, speak out against racism and prejudice, practice simple living in a society where money and possessions have become more important than integrity, humility, and kindness.
God’s Spirit of love gives me the power to be a willing servant of God’s mercy, compassion, and forgiveness as I go about my daily responsibilities.
Jesus said, “I have observed Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you the power to ‘tread upon serpents’ and scorpions and upon the full force of the enemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:18-20
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James Tissot (1836-1902)
Il allait par les villages en route pour Jérusalem
opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper
between 1886 and 1894
Brooklyn Museum
Jesus enters into the lives of the people to teach us about the love of God, to touch us with healing compassion, to walk with us in our suffering.
Every encounter I have with Jesus is like coming home. For that time, I can rest. I let go of conflict, obsession, worry, and grief. From these moments of respite, I gather courage and strength and willingness to follow the example of the Compassion of God in my interactions with others.
As they were proceeding on their journey someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Luke 9:57-58
I do my best to keep the word of Jesus: to love my neighbor, pray for my enemies, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, comfort the ill, welcome those I don’t know, forgive those who hurt me.
And when I forget, the Holy Spirit nudges me—a gentle tug at my heart, maybe, or it could be a spotlight shining on my selfishness. The Holy Spirit’s nudges show me the way to holy wholeness where I become a collaborator in the community of Love.
[Jesus said to his disciples:] “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” John 14:26
