Tag Archives: Resurrection

Walk with the Lord

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Fritz von Uhde (1848–1911)
Der Gang nach Emmaus (Road to Emmaus)
pastel on paper, 1891
Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden

And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. Luke 24:15-16

Jesus draws near and walks with us in every moment. Our wounds, worries, obsessions, shame, fear, or pride may prevent us from recognizing his peaceful presence. We can learn to take quiet moments to calm our minds and open our eyes, ears, and hearts to see, hear, and know the presence of the Lord with, in, and around us.

Today I will practice awareness of the present moment. I will quiet my thoughts and listen for the peaceful voice of Jesus. I will ask him to show me the path of life and love.

Wounded but whole

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Guercino (1591-1666)
Doubting Thomas
oil on canvas, 1621
Residenzgalerie Salzburg

Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” John 20:26-27

The wounds we have experienced—wounds of betrayal, wounds of injustice, wounds of physical, sexual, mental, emotional, or spiritual abuse—are nothing to be ashamed of. They can transform us into new beings of compassion, patience, kindness, humility, faith, and hope. Our wounds do not define us; our identity is, always has been, and always will be beloved of God.

Today I will gently examine the wounds I bear and open my heart to believe in and know God’s everlasting love and healing. I will ask Jesus to show me how to transform the pain I have experienced into a deeper understanding of others’ suffering.

Peace in this moment

The two disciples recounted what had  taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them
in the breaking of bread. Luke 24:35

Jesus has risen from the dead. He breaks bread and eats a bit of fish to prove he is here with us, a tangible, touchable, living presence.

It is in this present, earth-bound moment that he offers us the gift of peace. Today I will accept this moment of peace… and the next…and the next… until I internalize the gift and am able to offer it to others—to all members of our human family, who live and breathe and ache to be touched with God’s peace and compassion.

[Jesus] stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” Luke 24:36

Draw near

Diego Velázquez (1599-1660)
Kitchen Scene with the Supper in Emmaus
oil on canvas, ca.1618
National Gallery of Ireland

Fatigue. Fear. Self-absorption. Indifference. These are conditions that prevent me from recognizing the Lord in the people I meet.

Today I will put my attention on the Lord and ask for the grace to recognize the Lord in every member of God’s human family.

And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. Luke 24:15-16

Who’s in charge

JESUS MAFA. Empty Tomb, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. [retrieved April 16, 2017]

God triumphs over death, proving once and for all who is in charge of life and all that lives.

May I put my trust in the Lord, even when it seems like world events are out of control.

[The angel said to the women,] “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said.” Matthew 28:5-6a

In the presence

John 21:1-19

John 21:1-19

It only takes a moment to recognize the Lord. May I keep my eyes, ears, and heart open to realize he is here and I am with him.

Jesus said to them, “Come, have breakfast.” And none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they realized it was the Lord. John 21:12

Peace

Jacek Andrzej Rossakiewicz (b.1956) Jesus Appears to Thomas (St John Passion - 13), 1990 oil on canvas

Jacek Andrzej Rossakiewicz (b.1956)
Jesus Appears to Thomas (St John Passion – 13), 1990
oil on canvas

Do not be afraid when your heart has closed down. Do not worry when your mind races in panic. Do not resist the darkness of confusion. The Lord finds his way through every obstacle to bring you peace.

Be at peace. He is here with you now.

Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” John 20:26b

Some day

ev3pa26bSometimes the way is still dark and I have no clarity. In these moments, I need to keep moving toward the Lord. Some day I will understand.

For they did not yet understand the Scripture
that he had to rise from the dead. John 20:9