Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Leviticus 19: 1-18 To love one’s neighbour is not simple. Left to my own devices I quickly fall into self-centred and unforgiving thoughts words and actions, that lead to complex he said – I said scenarios and a mixed bag of emotions. But when I look to the Lord, take time to notice how he deals so mercifully with me and then mirror his actions and words, I find myself being more gentle, more forgiving, more kind and less judgemental. In the end, when I let the Holy Spirit lead me, I have untold peace as I align my behaviour with his. Lord God, help me love as you love. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14) Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can’t imagine. Kathleen Norris Soli gloriam dei .
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Holy Spirit, remove from me the pointing of the finger, and help me offer my food to the hungry...2/13/2016 Isaiah 58:9-14
Who doesn’t want to be a beacon of ‘light’ for others, and know the Lord’s guidance? Hidden in these verses from Isaiah there is a two-fold formula for leading such a deeply satisfying and a peaceful life, no matter what traumas and dramas life throws up. If we remove from among us the yoke of judgement of others, expressed by ‘the pointing of the finger and the speaking of evil’ and if we offer our food (not just the extra cheap food we have purchased for the food bank) and satisfy the needs of the afflicted, then we become merciful as God is merciful. Isaiah tells us: ‘Then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom (your troubles) will be like the noonday. The Lord will guide you continually.’ Am I prepared to remove judgement of others from my heart and mind? Am I willing to offer my food, that is, that I have, to satisfy the needs of the afflicted? Holy Spirit, remove from me the pointing of the finger and help me offer my food to the hungry. Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. (Psalm 86:4) Growth begins when we start to accept our own weakness. Jean Vanier Soli gloriam dei . Isaiah 58:1-9
When I consider fasting from food or drink, excuses arise: I can’t really do it health-wise; it’s not convenient today; it won’t make much difference in the whole scheme of things. Interestingly, these are the same excuses I come up with to avoid fasting (from my own busyness) into acts of mercy: It’s not really healthy psychologically to visit prisoners; I don’t really have time to visit the sick or become involved with the oppressed, and surely taking time to talk to a homeless person can’t really change things for them or me. Am I prepared to learn from Jesus about mercy? Today what is Christ Jesus teaching me about extending his mercy to others? Christ Jesus, teach me about your fast of mercy. Help make me know your ways, teach me your paths. (Psalm 2:4) Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Blessed Mother Teresa Soli gloriam dei . Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Loving, obeying, and holding fast to God is not a popular activity in these days of self-love and obeying your ‘gut’, when holding fast to money, reputation and your phone or computer are seen to be ‘essential’ priorities. But in truth, my future both now on earth, and in eternity, will be defined simply by my relationship to God. When I deliberately choose to look for God along life’s journey, and elect to love, obey and hold fast to the Holy One above all else, I will indeed be choosing life. This is not an easy one-time choice, but a continual effort to find, recognize, and live into the nature and will of God. Holy Spirit, help me to continually recognize and choose life. Happy are those whose delight is in the Lord. (Psalm 1:1-2) Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Blessed Mother Teresa Soli gloriam dei . Joel 2:12-18 & Psalm 51
After several decades of life, it is easy to feel deep regret, profound sadness, bitterness, frustration or even despair about how life has turned out, and where society is headed. Without God’s mercy and his steadfast love being factored in, our time on earth is indeed very bleak. But when I rest in the truth of the steadfast love of my Creator Father, and the miracles of his mercy seen in nature and in and through other human beings, I realize that all is not for nothing. There is hope for everyone as much as there is faith that gives an awareness of God’s profound love available at any given moment of any given day. As we behold the Mercy of God throughout Lent this year, let it inform us of his steadfast and unchanging love for humanity... and for each one of us. Have Mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10) Grant me the grace of being aware of my own sins and of not judging my brother, my sister. Saint Ephrem the Syrian 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
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