Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
1 Peter 5:6-11
Perhaps more than all of the disciples, St. Peter knew what it was to be anxious. It was Simon Peter whom Jesus had twice chastised, and it was Peter who in spite of his Master’s warning had denied him three times, within earshot! And yet, in his letter to the churches, Peter does not present as one jaded or licking his wounds. Rather, this bishop of Rome’s best advice to his fellow pastors and their people is to ‘Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.’ Peter, more than all the disciples, knew that at the heart of the Gospel is the loving hand of God who can absorb all anxieties, and who cares deeply for each one of his beloved daughters and sons. Perhaps this was a main reason why he was chosen as Jesus’ successor on earth. Holy Spirit, help me cast all my anxiety on the Lord, because he cares for me. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4) God doesn’t require us to succeed; he only requires that we try. Blessed Mother Teresa Soli gloriam dei .
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Philippians 3:17-4:1
With such a rich and complex society around us, all kinds of issues and projects, new ideas and trends are constantly vying for our attention. It is easy to feel that we are constantly riding the waves of human activity or being knocked down by the winds of change. Either way, it is difficult to stand firm for any length of time. But when I look to Jesus, or St. Paul, and notice how they were both jostled by the crowds and dragged out to the edge of town for stoning, I notice how they stood firm in their faith and their hope in the love of God. Their example allows me to stand firm rooted and grounded in the Lord, no matter what other forces are at work. Holy Spirit, help me to stand firm in the Lord at all times, and in all circumstances. The Lord is my light and my salvation. (Psalm 27:1) (S)He who wants to learn true humility should reflect upon the Passion of Jesus. St. Faustina Soli gloriam dei . Ezekiel 18:21-23
I am free to develop my own brand of ‘righteousness’ and do whatever I feel is best to meet my own needs. Then I am guided by whatever ‘feels good’, whether it be in choosing friends, deciding on actions, or letting my mind wander. But this style of ‘righteousness’, that is relative to how I feel at the moment, results in despair and emptiness. When I look to Jesus, however, the Son of God who as the Son of Man grappled with temptations and the highs and lows of human experience, I find a better point of reference for the true righteousness that God has designed for us as human beings. When I let Christ guide me in his righteousness, he leads me to extend God’s purity and mercy into all relationships, to follow his footsteps through the complexities of the market place and challenges of life, and to imitate his mind aligned as it was with God in faithfulness, in compassion and in hopefulness. Christ Jesus, guide me in your righteousness. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope. (Psalm 130:5) Holiness is not the luxury of the few. It is a simple duty for you and for me. Blessed Mother Teresa Soli gloriam dei . Esther 14: 1-14
The antidote to fear is love. “Love casts out fear.” St. Paul tells us. When I allow God’s love and faithfulness to soak into my soul then it is strengthened, and I have courage enough to face even the most overwhelming circumstances. What events am I facing in my life that are uncertain or seemingly insurmountable? Lord God, increase my strength of soul. O my Lord, help me, who am alone and have no helper but you. (Esther 14:3) We become what we love and who we love shapes what we become. St. Clare of Assisi Soli gloriam dei . Jonah 3: 1-10 The violence that is in my hands is not just violent actions towards others, but can be (and often is) violence towards my own person. Stuffing myself with non-nutritious food, or exercising little does violence to my body. Stuffing my life so full of possessions or endless activity does violence to my spirit. Being ‘glued to’ a computer screen instead of talking face to face to others does violence to my soul. Demanding hurried responses from others, or harbouring resentments does violence to my mind. Talking much more than I listen and practising denial, blame, justification and gossip does violence to my family and my social connections. Only as I release these ‘hands of violence’ am I able to repent, and to live into my purpose as a beloved daughter, or son, of God. Lord God, turn me away from the violence that is in my hands. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51: 10) Holiness is not the luxery of the few. It is a simple duty for you and for me. Blessed Mother Teresa Soli 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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