Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
iActs 17:15-18:1
‘Disaster had struck! In Philippi a few days after Lydia, the dealer in purple cloth, had converted so eagerly to the Good News of Christ Jesus, Paul and Silas met great antagonism. Another Philippian citizen raised such a backlash to the Gospel that Paul and Silas were severely beaten and shackled to the wall of an inner jail cell to await further torture and almost certain death. Their response? To pray and sing songs of the Spirit in praise to God. By the end of the night, not only were Paul and Silas delivered miraculously from prison, but all of the other prisoners who heard their prayers and praise had been evangelised. The jailer and his household had been baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit. What a turn of events! When I am mistreated by others what will be my response – talking about all the injustices or turning to the Lord with prayers and songs of praise? Holy Spirit, set my default as prayer and songs of the Spirit. On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. (Psalm 138:3 ) My thoughts will be clear; I will speak words of wisdom. I will turn my attention to proverbs and explain their meaning as I play the harp. King David, Psalm 49:3,4 www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
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Acts 15:22-31
When life ‘disturbs’ me through something as simple as a harsh comment from another, or something as complex as trauma drama, my natural tendency is to share my hurt with anyone who will listen. And yet, the fact that I can overcome let alone survive any such disturbance of my peace, is testimony to the encouragement of the Holy Spirit that proclaims life as the outcome of death, and hope as the only viable alternative to despair. Am I intent on sharing the disturbances or the encouragements that come my way? Holy Spirit of God, help me not disturb but encourage others. My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music. (Psalm 57: 7) Consider all the past as nothing, and say, like David: Now I begin to love my God. St. Francis de Sales www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. 1 Peter 3:15-18
When I am maligned and mistreated for my good conduct in Christ, it is always tempting to respond in kind and with a battle cry take on all the disbelief and error of my protagonist. But Peter, who had had to deal with his own impetuous nature, counsels a different way: Always be ready to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear... Am I so aligned with the Holy Spirit of God that I can bear witness to the great power of God’s mercy with gentleness and reverence? Lord God, help me account for the hope that is in me with the same gentleness and reverence that carried Jesus through his passion. Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for me.. (Psalm 66:16) (S)He who trusts herself/ himself is lost. (S)He who trusts in God can do all things. St. Alphonsus Liguori www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Acts 16:11-15 When I listen eagerly to someone, their words not only taste good, but I savour their ideas and the lilt of their voice ... and allow their message to become embedded in my memory. Lydia, a Greek ‘worshipper of God’, and a business woman (a dealer in purple cloth), became interested in the talk of Paul and Luke and their companions by the river and ended up listening eagerly to their account of Jesus’ ministry, passion and resurrection. It was life-giving – she and her whole household were baptized and become followers of The Way! Am I similarly eager to listen to the word of God, printed in the Holy Scriptures, displayed in living colour in nature, and written into the hearts of humankind? Open my heart, Lord, to listen eagerly to your word. Sing to the Lord a new song. (Psalm 149:1) This very moment I may, if I desire, become the friend of God. St. Augustine of Hippo www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Acts 16:1-10 Paul, whose encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus led to the conversion of both his spirit and of his travels, continued to perceive in his ‘mind’s eye’ Jesus giving him direction. At times the Holy Spirit of Jesus stopped him from carrying out his (Paul’s) own plans. At other times the Lord called out to Paul through visions that gave him specific details of his next assignment. How was St. Paul different from me? Haven’t we both received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Am I, like Paul, so firmly focussed on the things of God to be able to perceive the will of God for my life? Teach me how to perceive your will, O Lord. Know that the Lord is God. (Psalm 110:3) (S)He who trusts herself/ himself is lost. (S)He who trusts in God can do all things. St. Alphonsus Liguori www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca 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
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