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Caravaggio (1571-1610)
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas
oil on canvas, from 1601 until 1602
Sanssouci Picture Gallery
Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19
Peace in this time of uncertainty. Peace in our hearts. Peace in our words. Peace in our actions.
Breathe peace.
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Icon of the Resurrection
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.
Psalm 118:24
Today is a gift from God. May I open my eyes, ears, and heart to find reasons to rejoice and be glad in it.
The Raising of Lazarus (after Rembrandt)
Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890), Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, May 1890
oil on paper, 50 cm x 65.5 cm
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (Vincent van Gogh Foundation)
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, only about two miles away. And many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother. John 11:17-19
There is a tremendous sorrow in our world right now. We need each other’s love and compassion. We need to comfort one another.
Today I will offer comfort to someone in need.
American Colony (Jerusalem). Photo Department, photographer
Set of thirteen select slides of shepherd life, illustrating the Twenty Third Psalm. “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Psalm 23:1
May my heart reflect and bless the world with the goodness and love that is my birthright.
May I live as a child of the Light and produce every kind of goodness and love.
May the Lord open my eyes that I may see goodness and love in everyone I encounter.
N. Courier
Christ and the woman of Samaria at Jacob’s Well
lithograph, hand colored, between 1835 and 1836
“Is the LORD in our midst or not?” Exodus 17:7
To believe in God is to know God is present with us always.
God is in charge. God has not abandoned us or forsaken us. God will not let us be lost in the frightening, crazy, unjust, hard-hearted happenings of the world.
Today I will welcome the Lord. I will take time to listen for God’s voice. I will embody the Lord’s kindness by speaking respectfully to everyone I encounter.
Károly Ferenczy (1862–1917)
Sermon on the Mountain
oil on canvas, 1896
Hungarian National Gallery
Jesus said to his disciples, “Your heavenly Father… makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.” Matthew 5:45
Whenever I catch myself judging others, I remind myself that God loves all people equally. No one’s life is more or less valuable to the One who created us all in love and for love.
Lord, help me to see as you see and love as you love.
Persian Jesus (Isa) miniature of
Sermon on the Mount
If you choose you can keep the commandments,
they will save you;
if you trust in God, you too shall live;
he has set before you fire and water
to whichever you choose, stretch forth your hand.
Before man are life and death, good and evil,
whichever he chooses shall be given him.
Sirach 15:15-17
Today I will choose the qualities of God: patience, kindness, civility, respect, compassion, delight, and love.
I will choose self-responsibility and forgiveness.
I will choose to act with integrity and mercy.
I will choose quiet time with God.
George Pencz (ca.1500-1550)
To Feed the Hungry
Engraving
National Gallery of Art
Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13
No matter our situation, we can add flavor to life by sharing kindness with those who are hungry for attention. We can offer the shelter of our compassion to those who are suffering. We can wrap the lonely in the caring warmth of our companionship.
Today I will seek quiet moments to pray and meditate so that I may not lose my taste for loving and serving my neighbor.
Rembrandt (1606-1669)
Hannah and Simeon in the Temple
oil on panel, 1627-1628
Hamburg, Hamburger Kunsthalle
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. Luke 2:36-37
Good things happen even when we are old. We still welcome delightful surprises and the kind attention of others. We have the time to reflect on all we have experienced and to trace out the patterns in our lives. We know how to comfort the young, thanks to our history of overcoming challenges, disappointments, and hurts. We have the wisdom to recognize the good and the godly in others — and in ourselves.
Léonard Gaultier, 1561-1641
Follow Me and I will Make You Fishers of Men
engraving, probably c. 1576/1580
Washington, National Gallery of Art
Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone.
Isaiah 8:23b—9:1
The light of hope is always with me in the person of Jesus, who calls me by name and asks me to follow his way of forgiveness, compassion, and peace.
Lord, you are healing for those who suffer from despair, grief, and injustice. Help me to bring your light of love with me today that I may be a comforting presence to those in need.
Mary Ann McSweeny 