Click here for more of Mariana Dannelley’s sermons
Abide in Love, Walk in Mercy
John 15:1–16:4a — Lenten Reflection
Abide in the Vine
“Remain in me.” Abiding is resting, not striving.
Nouwen: “The voice that calls you the beloved is the voice of God.”
Pruning as Mercy
Pruning is holy healing — God making room for love.
Merton: “We are not converted only once; conversion is a work that continues through our whole life.”
Love at the Center
“Let my love nourish your hearts.”
Mother Teresa: “If you judge people, you have no time to love them.”
Chosen to Bear Fruit
“You didn’t choose me — I chose you.”
Peterson: “Hospitality… as a way of being.”
Witness in a Misunderstanding World
Love will sometimes be misunderstood.
Mother Teresa: “Love, to be real, must cost.”
The Spirit of Truth
We do not love by our own strength. The Spirit empowers mercy.
Six Contemplative Questions for the Week
- Where am I living disconnected from the Vine?
- What might God be gently pruning in me this Lent?
- Do I live as the beloved — or as a performer?
- Where is Jesus inviting me to create space for the stranger?
- Where is love being misunderstood in my life?
- Where do I need the Spirit’s help to love?
Closing Prayer
Jesus, let Your love be my nourishment, Your mercy my guide, Your compassion my fruit. Lead me gently through this Lenten season into deeper union with You. Amen.