Hebrews 10:1-10 & Psalm 40

What ‘song’ am I singing –or talking –today? Is it a dirge of doom and gloom? Am I voicing the chords of complaint? Perhaps I am spewing jigs of judgement?  Only songs of thankfulness and praise open my being to the good work of the Holy Spirit in heart, mind and soul.  Holy Spirit, teach me your songs of thankfulness and praise.  
I have not hidden your saving help within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation.   (Psalm 40:10)
 
Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.
St. Francis de Sales  
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei.

Hebrews 9:2-14

I would much rather embrace life than moan at the side of death! As much as I engage in satisfying my passions, protecting my riches, and working tirelessly for success and fame, I am involved in ‘dead works’ that leave vestiges of destruction and decay within my conscience. On the other hand, as much as I live into the Beatitudes of Jesus and the other laws of God, my life becomes lively and my conscience purified of the dead-ends of shame and guilt. Thanks be to Christ Jesus who by virtue of his redeeming death can always again and again purify and bring life to my conscience, no matter how swollen or shrivelled it is. Am I really preferring lively works to dead works?  Purify my conscience, Lord, from dead works.   
They should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.  (Psalm 78)
 
Accustom yourself continually to make many acts of love, for they enkindle and melt the soul.  
St. Teresa of Avila
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei.

Hebrews 6: 10-20 &7:1-17

Sometimes humankind looks hope-less. Faced with climate change, massive environmental destruction and less than perfect governments, it seems that as a species we are doomed. But Jesus’ coming into the human condition changes everything. He taught and demonstrated the essence of life itself, which is merciful love. When I seize the opportunity to follow Jesus in his path of merciful love, I receive and put into action the hope set before me.  Jesus also overcame the ultimate destroyer of humankind, which is spiritual death. When I seize the hope He sets before me and focus on true life which is never-ending, I am able to find the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit of God, as Jesus did, even within the world, rubbing shoulders with all of humanity.  Christ Jesus, help me seize the hope you have set before me.   

They should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.  (Psalm 78)
 
Believe in truth that whatever God gives or permits is for your salvation.  
St. Catherine of Sienna
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei.

Hebrews 5:1-10

Even when he was involved in full time ministry, Jesus was a model of reverent submission – praying in the mountains alone at night, tirelessly rubbing shoulders with the crowds, and forming a rag-tag band of crude fisher-folk and other marginalized people into devout and fearless apostles of truth and love. Eventually, Jesus’ lifetime of reverent submission culminated in torture and crucifixion – and silent resurrection from death. “Although he was the Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who submit to him.” Am I willing to match own obedience  to that of Jesus? Christ Jesus, increase my reverent submission to the will of God.
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They should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.  (Psalm 78)
 
Believe in truth that whatever God gives or permits is for your salvation.  
St. Catherine of Sienna
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei.

Hebrews 4:1-11

Anything that happens in the human realm is a mere bump in the road, compared to the vast mercy and creativity of God. Proclaimed by the winds of the atmosphere and the forces of nature, the power of God is about big-picture creation, continual transformation and rebirth.  Just as our homes shelter us in storms, so rest in the embrace of God is an eternal place of rest – and rebirth. Holy Spirit, help me see things with God’s perspective and so, enter into His rest.

 They should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.  (Psalm 78)
 
In God’s will is our peace.  
Dante
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei.