Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Mark 7:14-23 In Jesus’ day the Law of Moses was notorious for being lengthy and too detailed. More than once Jesus reprimanded the scribes and Pharisees, the proponents of the Law, for placing back breaking burdens on the people. Our day and age is really no different, with all the codes of law and societal custom becoming more convoluted and more detailed day by day – for driving, eating, shopping, walking, talking, writing, buying, selling and even praying. When worries arise in the night, they are rarely focused on the simple, life-giving things of life, like loving God and loving others, and more usually entrap me in long convolutions of complicated details of what I could, should or would do. Today, will I contemplate the laws of humankind or of God? Father God, help me to first and foremost live into your commandments. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes. (Psalm 119:12) Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, And the things of this world will grow strangely dim, In the Light of his goodness and grace. Lauren Daigle www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei
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Mark 6:53-56 At any given time of life, there are many others around us - around me - who are dis-eased or ‘afflicted’ in all kinds of ways, in heart, mind, soul or body. The winter months are particularly known as the season of flus and viruses, depression and dangers associated with cold weather. These days, I can easily light a dozen candles for friends and family alone. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, friends and family brought men, women and children to the Great Physician and crowded around him, not for lengthy appointments, but simply to put them in touch with him, if only through the fringes of his cloak. Jesus’ power to heal is no different now than it was then. Jesus is still “Healer of our every ill... light of each tomorrow.” Who will bring the heart-sick, the mentally ill, the depressed and the lonely, and those suffering physical ailments to Jesus today? Through committed prayers of intercession, will I....? Christ Jesus, I bring these people to you in prayer... For the righteous person will never be moved; ... their heart is firm, secure in the Lord. (Psalm 112:7) Healer of our every ill, light of each tomorrow, Give us peace beyond our fear, and hope beyond our sorrow. Marty Haugen, Hymn 363 Catholic Book of Worship www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Mark 6:30-34 Returning from their mission trip, the twelve disciples of Jesus were full of all kind of stories about what they had done and, no doubt, who they had encountered. Recognizing their need to debrief and rest, Jesus suggested they go across the lake for a mini retreat together. I can imagine the excited joy and chatter of the disciples and the grounding tones of Jesus’ own teachings around and through their experiences as they rowed a somewhat crowded boat to the beautiful hill country on the other side of the Lake of Galilee. No doubt this time alone in the boat was a time of great bonding and refreshment even though that was the only time of retreat the band of friends had together that day – a crowd of people hungry for healing met them on the other side of the lake as they pulled their boat ashore. When in my busy life is Jesus calling me to come away with him into a ‘boat’ for a chance to rest awhile in his presence? Will I keep to myself and stew over people, plans and the particulars of life, or will I take time for a mini retreat to debrief and refresh with Jesus? Christ Jesus, help me turn to you to rest a while. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statures. (Psalm 119:12) Look upon yourself as a tree planted beside the water; which bears its fruit in due season; the more it is shaken by the wind, the deeper it strikes its roots into the ground. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Mark 5:21-43 Like the woman who had been haemorrhaging for twelve years that approached Jesus, I too have long-term bleeds that afflict, or dis-ease, mind and soul. Past traumas experienced, hurts that are not forgiven, unrequited loves, or entrenched entitlements or prejudices – any of these can lead to serious physical ailments, serious haemorrhages of heart and mind. Sometimes these ‘elephants in the room’ are so big that they block out the sun of God’s mercy, and although I know Jesus is present to me, I forget, or perhaps don’t know how, to present these diseases to Jesus. It is tempting to think that visits to medical doctors or mental health specialists will take away such afflictions, but like the woman in Mark’s Gospel discovered, these provide only temporary relief. But it is the haemorrhaging woman herself who shows us the way to true and lasting healing - in humility follow Jesus, approaching whatever part of his being we find accessible, and trust Him to heal us. It is Jesus who not only can, but does, heal any long-term dis-ease that I bring to him. What long-term aliments have I been struggling with that need to be brought to Jesus for healing? Holy Spirit, help me bring my long-term afflictions to Christ Jesus. Save your servant who trusts in you. (Psalm 86:2) He will provide the way and the means, such as you could never have imagined. Leave it all to him, let go of yourself. St. Catherine of Sienna www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Sirach 47:2-11 Centuries after the death of King David, he was remembered not only for his prowess as protector and warrior, but more especially for his relationship with God. “In all that he did he gave thanks to the Holy One, the Most High, proclaiming his glory; he sang praise with all his heart, and he loved his Maker.” To this day, we sing the Psalms of David, those conversations with his Lord that reflect his love for his Maker and the songs in his heart. What will be the legacy of my life – my own fame and glory or songs of God’s glory? Christ Jesus, help me, like David, to give thanks to the Holy One. This God –his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:1) Look upon yourself as a tree planted beside the water; which bears its fruit in due season; the more it is shaken by the wind, the deeper it strikes its roots into the ground. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook 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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