Tag Archives: peace

The voice of love

Fourth Sunday of Advent

[Elizabeth said,] “For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” Luke 1:44

Our whole being leaps with joy when we hear the voice of love. Let us be the voice of love for every member of our human family. Let us be aware of each other, greet everyone with respect, reach out to everyone in welcome and comfort, listen to each other’s pain, and be the presence of peace and compassion wherever we are.

Today I will do my part to ensure God’s will is fulfilled by being a voice of love, peace, and compassion for my family, friends, and all people I encounter.

The Lord is near

Third Sunday of Advent

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?”
He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” Luke 3:10-11

John the Baptist points the way to joy: we are to share what we have generously and with great kindness. The light of joy brightens us as we share food, clothing, shelter, refuge, hope, and compassion with those who have none.

Today I will remember the Lord is near. I will move towards him with joy and serve him by sharing what I have with those who have none.

God’s beloved

Second Sunday of Advent

And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception. Philippians 1:9

God loves every single person on this planet completely and unconditionally. That is the knowledge and perception I pray for: to recognize each member of the human family as God’s beloved and to treat each person with the kindness and respect that is their birthright.

Today I will pray for someone I find difficult to love.

Increase love

First Sunday of Advent
First Sunday of Advent

May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all. 1 Thessalonians 3:12

The life of Jesus makes known the ways of the Lord. When we decide to follow Jesus, we intentionally choose the Way of love, healing, peace, justice, compassion, and respect for all people, especially the poor and marginalized.

Today I will increase my love for my neighbor by making a donation to a food pantry.

Love is the Truth

Ge, N. N. (Nikolaĭ Nikolaevich), 1831-1894
“What is truth?” Christ and Pilate
Tretyakov Gallery

[Jesus answered,] “For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” John 18:37

The truth: God created us out of an almighty, everlasting love that is and was and is to come. There is no beginning and no end to God’s love. We dwell in God’s love in this very moment and always will.

Today I will testify to God’s love by loving my neighbor as myself.

Breathe

James Moriarty Fig Tree in Spring, 2005

Each breath I take is a sign of God’s Spirit within me. No matter what is happening, my breath reminds me I am always in the presence of the Lord, at home in the heart of God.

Today I will remember to breathe when I am anxious or upset. God is here.

I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Psalm 16:8

It’s not about power and prestige

The Widow’s Mite – Luke 21:1-4
JESUS MAFA. The Widow’s Mite, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

Jesus never sought honor, power, or prestige. He cared about people and he helped them—especially the poor, the hungry, the ill, and those rejected and abandoned by society.

Lord, grant me the grace to empty myself of arrogance, greed, self-serving, and indifference. Fill me with your kindness, generosity, compassion, and welcome. Show me concrete ways to help the poor and hopeless.

In the course of his teaching Jesus said to the crowds, “Beware of the scribes, who like to go around in long robes and accept greetings in the marketplaces, seats of honor in synagogues, and places of honor at banquets. They devour the houses of widows and, as a pretext recite lengthy prayers. They will receive a very severe condemnation.” Mark 12:38-40

One with God in love

God Is Love
SashaLee19 [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

“The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” Deuteronomy 6:4

Our love manifests in many ways. Respect for the environment and all of God’s creation. Gratitude for our many blessings. Listening attentively to the opinions of others. Encouraging those who are downhearted. Bringing food to the food pantry. Treating all people with courtesy. Saying “Please” and “Thank you” to the people who help us. Donating our unused clothing and household items to an organization that will distribute them to people in need. Speaking words that express peace, hope, and kindness. Praying for an end to war and violence.

Lord, may I be one with you in love. Please show me how to love you and my neighbor today.

Open my eyes, Lord

Lord, that I might see!, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN.

Jesus said to [Bartimaeus], “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.”
Jesus told him, “Go your way; your faith has saved you.”
Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. Mark 10:51-52

Jesus meets us where we are with genuine interest in how he can help us. In faith and with humility, we must be ready to ask the Lord for what we want and need.

Lord, open my eyes to see your will for me. Heal me that I may follow you on the Way.

To serve

Lori Shaull
26 January 2017

Jesus said to them, “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45

A young friend of mine has become the target of unjust practices at her workplace and has taken a stand for justice. Even though she may never know the far-reaching results of her call for justice, her mental, physical, and emotional sacrifice performs a lasting service for others who are being or will be treated unjustly.

Lord, let your mercy be on us as we experience suffering when walking your Way of peace and justice. May we serve the needs of all those who have no one to advocate for them.