Romans 5: 5-11 & Luke 15:3-7
Holy Spirit help me point others to their Good Shepherd who seeks them... 
 
Since the beginning of history human beings have been accustomed to straying away from their identity as a member of God’s family, a ‘sheep of his flock’.  As a result, we constantly find ourselves stuck in tight spots, between rocks and a hard place, or dangling at the edge of a cliff between the devil and the deep blue sea. What is the remedy for human error?  In all of history, the one sure and lively redemption for individuals in the human race is Christ Jesus, the gateway to the love of God being poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Christ is our ‘good shepherd’ who, still, constantly looks after his ‘sheep’, always on the lookout  for beloved sons and daughters of God who are stuck or dangling. Am I so convinced of Jesus’ saving grace that I point others to his love and encourage them to cry out to him to be saved?  Holy Spirit, help me point others to their Good Shepherd who seeks them.
                                                                  
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.  (Psalm 23:1)
                                                                                                                
What you do matters — but not much. What you are matters tremendously.
Catherine Doherty                                                  
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
                                          
Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Matthew 7:15-20
 
False prophesies abound in this generation, as they have for hundreds of generations before us. But as followers of Jesus, we do not need to let any of them ‘get under our skin’. Jesus told us all we need to know about the endtimes of this age. As for the true prophets sent by God to help us understand and live into His mercy, Christ Jesus gave us the proof positive test for measuring their authenticity: By their fruits you will know them. Prophets or advisors who are faithful, patient, acquainted with joy and peace, who exhibit self-discipline and humility and above all genuine love – these are the voices who speak the words of the Holy Spirit to us. On the other hand, those voices that exhibit and demand extreme emotional responses, or diminish us, take power and control over us, or preach  judgement  and damnation isolated from the mercy of God, are false prophets that deserve to be ‘cut down and thrown into the fire’. Which prophets, which prophecies are directing my life? Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me be wary of false prophets.  
                                                                  
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.  (Psalm 105:4)
                                                                                                                
The value of our life does not depend on the place we occupy.  It depends on the way we occupy that place. 
St. Therese of Lisieux                                           
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
                                          
Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Matthew 7:6-14
 
While it is kind to throw a dog a bone, it is considered foolish and wasteful to cook a juicy steak on the grill and throw it to the dogs. But isn’t this what ‘we’ do each day when we turn our back on God’s laws of life? Each minute of every day, each calorie of energy we have at our disposal, each thought we think, each word we utter is holy because it is designed by God to glorify him and extend his Mercy into my life and the lives of others. How do I use all of these resources at my disposal? Do I throw them to the dogs by turning my back on God and use these things to further my own agenda, cultivate pride and success or build up my kingdom on earth? Or will I dedicate these holy things, my words, thoughts and actions, to the use of the Holy Spirit of God? Holy Spirit, help me not throw holy things to the dogs.   
                                                                  
Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue... Those who do these things shall never be moved.  (Psalm 15:1,5)
                                                                                                                
Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they should give themselves entirely into his hands and allow his grace to act.
St. Ignatius of Loyola                                            
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
                                          
Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Luke 1:57-80
 
Eastern Orthodox tradition says that Zechariah was murdered soon after John the Baptist was born, because he would not recant his account of God’s mercy in the  circumstances surrounding his son’s birth, and that his wife, Elizabeth, had to flee with their baby into the desert to save his life.  In spite of this, Jesus’ cousin, Zechariah’s son, who was just six months his senior, ‘grew and became strong in spirit and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.’ For about thirty years John lived in severe austerity in the wilderness, praying and fasting to make straight the way for the Messiah to come into the world to redeem humanity.  Am I willing to put worldly cares and worries -and my own agenda - aside at least from time to time, to pray and fast the ways straight for Christ Jesus to enter into my family, and all of humanity today?  Holy Spirit, help me prepare the way of the Lord.  
                                                                  
O lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.   (Psalm 139:1)
                                                                                                                
Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they should give themselves entirely into his hands and allow his grace to act.
St. Ignatius of Loyola                                            
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
                                          
Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Matthew 6:24-34
 
As human beings we instinctively care for our treasures – whether they be material or spiritual possessions. We remember where they are; we be-hold them often in private moments; we never consider selling our treasure or giving it away; we go to great lengths to protect our treasures; we consider carefully with whom to share a view of our treasure; and tell the story of how our treasures came to us with fervour and joy.  My care of material and spiritual treasures in the world inform how I grow to value God’s mercy in my life. I remember and, like Mother Mary, ponder the stories of God’s intervention in my life’s journey; I recognize the great value of God’s grace and like the disciples, share it in good season with others; I don’t turn my back on my treasure or use it to make money; but with care, thanksgiving and reverence I continue to be-hold this treasure and relate to others the stories of how God’s mercy has redeemed and enlivened my journey. Am I truly treasuring God’s mercy in my life?  Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me treasure your mercy in my life.  
                                                                  
My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.  (Psalm 34:2)
                                                                                                                
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
Jesus.  Ihe Gospel of  Matthew 6:33          
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei