Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Complete Day's Readings
Matthew 12:46-50 If I identify with Father God, who set the universe as well as my being in motion, then it makes sense that I not only seek but also do his will. What is God calling me to say not only with words, but also by actions, to others, as well as reflectively? What action is God’s will at any given moment, in any given circumstances? What plans does God have for my presence in my family, at work, or in my community? Father God, help me to consider first and foremost your will, and to do it. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Soli ad gloriam dei
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Exodus 14:5-18
The Israelites were on foot on the shores of the Red Sea when they noticed the Egyptian army closing in on them. In order to see the salvation of the Lord, they needed to look ahead instead of behind, to look for the grace of God at work in Moses; and rather than give into their gut survival instincts to ‘fight, flight or freeze’ in response to the terror of the moment, they needed to stand firm. Like the Israelites, when I face challenges or traumatic events in my own life, I too need to look for the grace of the Lord at work before and around me, trusting the mercy and faithfulness of the God. Holy Spirit, help me to not give into panic but to instead stand firm to see the deliverance of God for me [for us] today. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) Soli ad gloriam dei Exodus 11:10-12:14 & Psalm 116 & Matthew 12:1-8
When the path of life was revealed to the people of Israel, it was necessary for them to be ready, to plan to take little with them, and to eat well for strength for the journey. It also necessitated that they readily leave their possessions and property behind. Unfortunately, joy is not always a feature of the path of life, as the continuous complaints of the wandering people of God attest. Jesus, however, teaches that mercy, received and offered, is key to the fullness of joy in the Lord. How can I receive mercy from God and offer it up to others along the path of my life? Lord God, show me the path of life and fullness of joy in your presence. What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:12,13) Soli ad gloriam dei Exodus 3:1-7, 9-12
As Pope Francis says, we are meant to be ‘the best version of ourselves’. Unfortunately, as human beings we are drawn down into the Pit of the unfruitfulness and brokenness of our own limitations, through pride, lust, despair, jealously, greed and any number of other sinful “wildcards”. Then, when God speaks to us from the ‘burning bushes’ of challenging events in our lives, we fail to turn aside to spend time with Him, let alone ‘take off our sandals’ and in our bare humility listen to His voice. However, I can choose to take time to reflect on the words He is breathing into my heart through the difficulties I face in life. Then I am given the truth, the love and the courage to put my best foot forward on my journey, in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer. Lord God, redeem my life from the Pit. Lord God, redeem the lives of N. ____ , N _____ and N ____ from the Pit! It is the Lord who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:3,4,5) Soli ad gloriam dei Exodus 1:8-22 & Psalm 124
The Israelites had been welcomed into Egyptian society by Joseph, yet within three generations they were enslaved and living in abominable conditions of apartheid and racial cleansing. What happened? “A new king arose who did not know Joseph”, called the Egyptians to ‘deal shrewdly with the Israelites”, and out of un-informed fear set task masters over Joseph’s people to oppress them with forced labour. As history has unfolded over the centuries since then, forgotten stories have many times led to genocide, as in the Holocaust of Europe, Rwanda in the 90’s, the present Middle East crisis, and the present state of indigenous peoples in Canada. Forgotten stories of connection and kindnesses, given and received, also lead to scenarios of violence within our work relationships, families and friendships on a more personal level. Lord God, help us remember our story with you and with others; help me remember my story with you and with others. Our help is in the name of the Lord. (Psalm 124:8) 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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