Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Acts 22:30- 23:6-11 & John 17:20-26
Christ Jesus, help me have the courage to testify to You… Living heart-fully in Christ is a challenge in a world that worships success, idolizes fleshly lusts and is fascinated with all manner of demons and devils. But being connected to Christ Jesus through praying scripture, receiving the sacraments of the church and opening up to God’s holiness –and whole –y-ness – leads to courage or ‘heart-fullness’. When I take time to choose to follow Christ, I testify to his saving Grace, and preach his Word at all times, using words only when necessary. Christ Jesus, help me have the courage to testify to You. I keep the Lord always before me; therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. (Psalm 16:8-9) Soli ad gloriam dei
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Acts 20:28-38 & John 17:11b-19
Jesus prayed, “Holy Father, protect in your name, those whom you have given me, that they may be one as we are one.” As a thinking, choosing, following disciple of Christ, it is my responsibility to actively guard myself and to protect those under my care, so that I and ‘my’ people might be one with God. Am I thinking about things that are lovely, pure and faithful, (Philippians 4:8), choosing things of God rather than of the world, the flesh and the devil, and following Christ no matter how difficult the way? Am I encouraging the people under my care to do the same? Christ Jesus, help me guard myself and your children under my care. When the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father comes, he will bear witness to me, and you also will bear witness. (John 15:26,27) Soli ad gloriam dei Acts 20:17-27 & John 17:1-11
It is easy to testify to the good news of the birth of a child, a successful job interview or the purchase of a new home. But what of eternal things, such as the good news of God’s mercy and the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose very (human) life was given for our salvation? How can I as mere mortal testify to the good news of God’s grace? By living each moment in unity with the Spirit of God. Just as St. Paul did in his travels throughout Asia, I too can ‘proclaim the Gospel at all time, using words only when necessary’ (St. Francis). Holy Spirit, help me testify to the good news of God’s Grace . Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up. (Psalm 68) Soli ad gloriam dei Acts 19:1-8 & John 16:29-33
Even if humans were to become more humane, or global warming be averted, wealth distributed more fairly, or a cure for cancers of body and soul to be found... still not all ills of our existence on earth would be conquered. Jesus Christ is alone has conquered injustice, social disease, envy and greed, by allowing humanity to do its worst and then rising beyond death to live again in the glory of His light and Love. Am I still spending my time and energy to set the world right, or am I ready to look to the mercy and justice of God to overcome my own challenges. Christ Jesus, help me take courage because you have overcome the world. Let those who are right with God be joyful. (Psalm 68) Soli ad gloriam dei Acts 1:15-26 & John15:9-17
How can I abide in Christ’s love? Decision by decision, action by action, word by word, thought by thought I need to first engage the Love of God, and then discern the choice of Jesus at any given moment under any given circumstances. When the disciples filled the void left by Judas Iscariot with Matthias to complete their ranks, they first prayed, “Lord you know everyone’s heart. Show us...”. They did not choose Matthias. Rather, they were obedient to the Holy Spirit’s choice of Matthias, as a gift they needed to receive. Am I prepared to trust the Love of God in making choices? Christ Jesus, help me to discern your choices along the journey of my life. You did not choose me but I chose you…The Spirit of truth will bear witness to me, says the Lord. (John 15:16, 26) 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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