Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Romans 6:3-11
The people of Jesus’ day who did not acknowledge or embrace the truth and the mercy of God did their best to extinguish the light of Christ. Trumped up criminal charges, tortures of many kinds, and crucifixion were designed to snuff out the love of Christ, and keep God’s beloved human beings chained to the treadmill of the same old sins and self-perpetuating self-centredness that lead to hell on earth and beyond. But Jesus comprehended baptism, death and resurrection before and beyond his murderers, and extends newness of life to all who are alive to God through baptism, death and resurrection in Christ. Christ Jesus, let me walk with you in newness of life. Lord, send forth your spirit, and renew the face of the earth. (Psalm 104) Christ your Son coming back from death’s domain has shed his peaceful light on humanity, and lives Exsultet Easter Vigil Mass Soli gloriam dei .
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Matthew 1: 16-24
Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus, seemingly had only one goal in life – to remain faithful to God. Living into this vocation, he prayed and allowed the Holy Spirit of God to shape his thoughts, his motives and his plans. In doing so, St. Joseph took several drastic turns in his life, such as marrying the already pregnant Mary, and later whisking his Holy Family off to the deserts of Egypt. But of this we are sure; he became more and more aware of the grace and faithfulness of God. Holy Spirit of God, deepen my faith to know more of your grace. I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 89:1) The one who sings, prays twice. St. Augustine of Hippo Soli gloriam dei . Jeremiah 20: 7-13
Jeremiah’s cries of pain and woe are familiar to me, and satisfy my need to vent to God. But am I willing to take the second step as did Jeremiah? Am I willing to exercise my spiritual muscles and sing praises to the Lord? In this way I, like Jeremiah, might find the strength to continue to journey through the life the Lord has designed for me. Perhaps my life too will call others back into relationship with God. Have I determined to ‘call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies? Holy Spirit, in adversity help me sing to the Lord. I love you, O Lord, my strength. Psalm 18:1 The one who sings, prays twice. St. Augustine of Hippo Soli gloriam dei . Genesis 17:3-9 & John 8:51-59 Jesus proclaimed to the people of his day “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.” It is the one who is the ‘I am’ of the past, and of the future, who is just a prayer away in today’s present. Abraham sought God’s presence – and found the Lord to be faithful despite circumstances which seemed to indicate otherwise. The Communion of Saints, including St. Patrick, similarly found the Lord to be unceasingly faithful, merciful, and life-giving, when they, too, sought his presence continually. Where and when in my life circumstances am I seeking the presence of the I AM? Lord God help me seek your presence continually. Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgements he uttered. (Psalm 105:5) God be in my head and in my understanding. St. Patrick Soli gloriam dei . Daniel 3:13-95 & John 8:31-42
I often pray for deliverance, but if my heart is still tuned to my own healing devices and projects rather than ordered to receive the mercy of God, how can I perceive God’s saving grace? “You are trying to kill me [rather than follow me]”, said Jesus to the people of his day, “because there is no place in you for my word.” Daniel and his friends, on the other hand, were so completely committed to the Lord that they had no worries when the King, in his anger, had them thrown into a blazing fire. Because they had hearts that trusted unquestioningly in God’s mercy, they were delivered even from the heat and flames of a well-stoked fiery furnace. Where is my faith taking me? Do I trust completely in the mercy of God? Lord God, deliver your servant, as I trust in you. Even though I walk in the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff –they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4) Come out of anxiety, because it is one of the greatest deceivers of true virtue and sound devotion. St. Pius of Pietrelcina 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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