Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Acts 6:8-15
There are two sides to every crucifix. On one side the corpus of Christ is fixed, representing his –and our own- diminishment, anguish and all that pins us to the walls of this life. On the other side is the bare wood proclaiming forever and in all ways the newness of resurrection, ‘standing up again’. It is a win-win situation! Jesus is with me on whichever side of the crucifix I find myself at any given time. Stephen, a man ‘full of grace’ and power, and the first martyr of the early church seemed to be with Jesus in his resurrected form; he did great wonders and signs among the people. But jealous compatriots stood up to condemn him, fixing him with Jesus to the cross of Good Friday. How did Stephen respond? He spoke with wisdom and with the Spirit of God. So much was he in tune with the Holy Spirit that his ‘face was like the face of an angel’. Whichever side of the cross I find myself, do I speak from despair, or ‘with the Holy Spirit’? Christ Jesus, help me at all times to speak with your Holy Spirit. Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes. (Psalm 119) Men and women desire to have authority that they may command and control others, and live uncommanded and uncontrolled themselves. St. Thomas Moore Soli gloriam dei .
0 Comments
Psalm 34
According to recent brain research, memories of the senses of taste and smell are stronger than those of sight or even hearing. It is no wonder, then, that the Psalmist encourages us to taste and see the goodness of God. As human beings made in the image and likeness of God from the moment of conception in our mothers’ wombs, the taste and vision of God is familiar. Today will I take time to reflect on the goodness of God that has been tasted and seen from the beginning of time and space? Holy Spirit, help me taste and see the goodness of God. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1) Often remind yourself that you are in the presence of God. St. Jean Baptist de la Salle Soli gloriam dei . Holy Spirit, help me tell, like the Apostles of the early Church, the whole message about this life.4/6/2016 Acts 5:17-26 & John 3:16-21
The redemption of humanity crafted by God through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus, is the one most pivotal and critical event of human existence. Unfortunately, it is a truth that is so huge, and so simple, that it is easily ignored by present society. Am I, too, ignoring the glorious truth of this triumph of love over hatred, light over darkness and life over death? Do the complexities of my day to day struggles and passions push the truth of Christ’s passion to the edges of consciousness? Or am I willing to live into my belief and commitment to Christ Jesus? O Holy Spirit, help me tell, like the Apostles of the early Church, the whole message about this life. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. (Psalm 34: 2) Love transforms one into what one loves. St. Catherine of Siena Soli gloriam dei . Acts 4:32-37
The generosity of the early Christians is legendary: Joseph sold a field that belonged to him, and brought the full amount of money to Peter and John, to be used at their discretion as they proclaimed the message of the death and resurrection of Jesus. For this deed, Joseph became ‘Barnabas’, or ‘son of encouragement’. Am I making my possessions or the proceeds from their sale available to the Lord for his works of mercy –and for the encouragement of others? Do I even realize how lightly I am to hold my possessions, so that the Spirit of God working through me can distribute them according to his plan of mercy? Christ Jesus, teach me about possessions, including all my time, treasure and talents. Your decrees are very sure; holiness befits your house, O Lord, forevermore. (Psalm 93:5) If you truly want to help the soul of your neighbour, you should approach God first with all your heart. St. Vincent Ferrer Soli gloriam dei . Psalm 118:19-25
Christ Jesus was the ‘stone that the builders rejected that became the chief cornerstone’ of human history. His resurrection from Roman crucifixion and all the mercy that has subsequently poured forth on humanity by his obedience to the love of God, belies the condemnation Jesus received from the High Priests and Sanhedrin of his day. Many building stones crop up along my life’s journey. Each hard issue, event, or relationship has the potential to be mortared into the ‘house’ of my life and to become the foundation of thought, word and action. So often it is the uncomfortable ‘stones’, or difficulties and sufferings, that are first rejected, that become - when they are transformed by the mercy and grace of God, - the strongest and most beautiful ‘building stones’ of life. Christ Jesus, help me accept the foundation stones of your choosing. This is the Lord’s doing. It is marvellous in our eyes. (Psalm 118) Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song! St. John Paul II 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
Categories |