Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Sirach 2:1-11 & 1 Thessalonians 2:2-8
Unlike the writer of Sirach who relied on a God who just sometimes appeared, in clouds or lightening or burning bushes, we have the Wisdom of God available to us for the asking. With the breath of a prayer, the Holy Spirit whom Jesus sent to all believers forever, guides us in setting our hearts to know and be aligned with what is right. By the strength of the Holy Spirit we are able to not give in to flattery or greed, but to “please God who tests our hearts” (1Thess 2:2) and with deliberate, committed tenacity be steadfast in our walk with Jesus. Holy Spirit, help me to set my heart right and be steadfast. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; you yourself who secure my portion. (Ps 16) Soli ad gloriam dei
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John 3:22-30
The wearing away of all that this life is, is the norm. Wealth, whether physical or social or cultural, gets spent, rots, is lost to thieves or tumbling rates of value or is simply left behind when we die. If we understand that life is most valuable when it is filled with, and radiates, the light, love and faith of God, then we are in a win-win situation: as much as I decrease (and welcome Him) Christ will increase in and through my being in my own heart, and in the beings of all who notice Him within me. Christ Jesus, as I decrease, increase in and through my being. We proclaim your death, O Lord, And profess your resurrection, Until you come again. .. (Memorial Acclamation, Liturgy of Holy Eucharist) Soli ad gloriam dei 1 John 5:5-13
The phrase eternal life rolls of my tongue easily at mass, but less easily when a friend’s only son dies tragically. How does the mystery of eternal life explain seemingly senseless suffering and the cessation of a young, vibrant life? What, in fact gives life meaning? There is still much mystery to comprehend, about this life that comes from eternity, is visible beifly on this stage called earth, and then passes on into forever and ever. Holy Spirit, teach me about eternal life! By this the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his Only Begotten Son into the world, so that we might have life through him. (1 John 4) Soli ad gloriam dei 1 John 4:19-5:4
As a human being, how can I even begin to love as variously and consistently as God? I must first realize that any love I give does not originate from me alone. Rather, I can love because I can become like a stream-bed for God’s love to flow out from my spirit into the souls of the world. As much as I submit to God’s love flowing in and through me, I can love others. Holy Spirit, help me to love from God’s love for me. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. (Isaiah in Luke 4) Soli ad gloriam dei 1 John 4:11-18
Love is a two way street –it is given, and it is received. Before I can begin to love others, I need to receive God’s love into the core of my being. Do I know that I am be-loved by God the Father as my Creator, by Jesus the Son who constantly redeems and heals and by the Holy Spirit who is available for the asking to comfort, protect and direct me? Do I allow the Lord to shape and align my being to his love, truth and beauty? Then I will be ready to perfectly love others. Lord God, make your love perfect in me. Come, you blessed of my Father, says the Lord; I was sick and you visited me … (Matt 25) Soli ad gloriam dei |
AuthorBeverly Illauq lives in Kemptville, Ontario, where she greets each morning by seeking the Gospel Mystery of the Day - the Word of the Lord for direct and practical application to the specific challenges & joys of the day. Archives
March 2024
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