Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
2 Corinthians 9:6-11 & Matthew 6:1-18
When I put my trust in the economy of God, I discover that I have everything I need, and that when I wisely and faithfully use all the resources I receive at the Lord’s hand, I have more than enough to share. When I merely toss to others my scraps, or grudgingly or guardedly give them what I can do without, my heart is hardened and closed. But when I share abundantly and cheerfully all that I have through the movements of ‘secret’ alms giving, prayer and ‘fasting’ (self-discipline), then my heart softens and opens, and I become caught up in the abundance and joy of God’s generous creation. Christ Jesus, help me share abundantly and cheerfully in every good work. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in her/him. (1 John 4: 7) Soli ad gloriam dei
0 Comments
2 Corinthians 8:1-9 & Matthew 5:43-48
Without worldly and fleshly riches, pleasures and securities, I can find the treasure of the Spirit of God in my life. I need no treasure, fame or fortune to visit the lonely, extend compassion, or experience the gentle mercy of God. Forgiveness and praying for one’s enemies according to Jesus’ counsel is expensive only in terms of grace. Interestingly, in God’s economy of riches, the more given means the more received. When I practice forgiveness and intercessory prayer towards others, God’s mercy increases within me, and my joy begins to “run over”. Christ Jesus, teach me the richness of my poverty. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God. (Matt 5: 3) Soli ad gloriam dei 2 Corinthians 6:1-10
St. Paul urged his readers to ‘not accept the grace of God in vain. ‘ As much as I have received the grace of God, through the sacraments, inspiration from the Word of God and the direct ministry of the Holy Spirit through various people, circumstances and events, it is good to do as Paul did: tracing the grace by telling his story, and then embracing the grace by practicing purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love and truthful speech. Christ Jesus, help me trace and embrace the grace of God. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age, says the Lord. (Matt 28:20) Soli ad gloriam dei 2Corinthians 5:14-21
Left to my own devices, I see all relationships, actions and opportunities in terms of self-reference, self-enhancement and self-advancement. But Jesus, through his passion and resurrection transformed human existence forever. He calls me to his new terms of reference – self-giving compassion, the enhancement of others, and the advancement of humanity toward the true peace and justice of the kingdom of God. Living into Jesus’ call, I am able to exchange my old cocoon of self-centredness for the wings of new creation in Christ. Christ Jesus, help me live no longer for myself, but for you. Bless the Lord who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. (Psalm 119) Soli ad gloriam dei Ephesians 3:8-19
Christ Jesus, live in my heart by faith, being rooted and grounded in love… I can ask all kinds of favours and graces from God but never be able to receive them because my heart is not right. To be able to receive the mercies of God, my heart needs to be rooted and grounded in the agape love of God, receiving nourishment from God’s love, and staying grounded in mercy. Then I am able to receive his great graces of love, light, laughter, and life itself, and to pass these graces forward to others. Christ Jesus, live in my heart by faith, being rooted and grounded in love. O Lord, I trust in your merciful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. (Psalm 13:5) Soli ad gloriam dei The serene, silent beauty of a holy life is the most powerful influence in the world, next to the might of the Holy Spirit. Blaise Pascal |
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 |