Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Matthew 11:20-24 Although the world’s misunderstanding teaches that repentance is self-castigation and an exercise of shame and self-hatred, this is not the truth! Christ’s call to repentance is rather a call to turn away from that which is death dealing, including all deceits of the world, the flesh and the devil, and a turn towards the One Redeemer who is life-giving. Repentance includes such spiritual exercises as fasting, forgiving, reflecting, seeking holy wisdom, waiting within holiness, speaking truth, walking in the light of Christ, and doing physical and spiritual acts of mercy. As much as I repent, and in doing so align myself with the Holy Spirit, holy humility settles into my spirit and I stay with Jesus. Am I truly seeking out the mysteries of deep repentance? Holy Spirit, teach me the depths of true repentance. If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts. (Psalm 95:7-8) Love is an act of endless forgiveness. Jean Vanier www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei
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Jesus’ obedience to his Father and his journey through life on earth demanded that he live beyond his own family, even his beloved mother, Mary, -even to the extent that he died one of the worst deaths imaginable: crucifixion. So it was that Jesus taught his disciples weeks before his passion, that they, too, must consider God’s will beyond their own family allegiances; that whoever does not ‘take up the cross and follow me’, is not worthy of being identified with the Son of Man who was the Son of God. Why would someone give up ‘finding themselves’, with all that implies in today’s world of comforts, self-improvement books, and motivational speakers, and willingly lose their life like Jesus, strung up on whatever cross the world, the flesh and the devil throws at them? What a strange example to follow! Why indeed! But indeed, following Jesus and welcoming him by extending mercy to anyone in his name, is indeed life itself. All else – family, success, fame, fortune, comfort etcetera, all pale beside the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Am I committed to deliberately following Jesus, no matter who I leave behind, and what kind of death is in store for me? Christ Jesus, help me faithfully follow you. To those who go the right way, I will show the salvation of God. (Psalm 50:23) CONSULT not your fears, but your hopes and dreams. THINK not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. CONCERN yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do." – Saint Pope John XXIII www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei
Matthew 10:16-23 There can be so many trials, be they subtle or blatent, that we face. Trials do not occur only when I am brought before council, judges or governors. I can become like a ‘sheep in the midst of wolves’ in my work place, or even in my own family. Jesus reminds me that the most important thing to remember in all kinds and times of trial is to fear not, nor worry about fabricating brilliant arguments in my own defence. Rather, when I am undergoing trials, I need to listen to the Holy Spirit of God stirring in my heart and speak only those words. In my trials, will I quiet my own words of protest sufficiently to allow the Holy Spirit of God to speak through me? Will I depend on the Holy Spirit so I can endure, in my dignity as a beloved child of God, to the end? Holy Spirit of God, help me to hear your words in my heart and speak (only) them. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. (Psalm 51:12,15) My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour... Mother Mary in Luke 1:46-47 www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Christ Jesus, teach me how to proclaim the good news, that the kingdom of heaven is near ...7/12/2018 Matthew 10:7-15 When I focus only on the kingdoms –the governments, businesses constructions –of this world, I can so easily forget that indeed the kingdom of heaven is near. Caught up in the frenetic activity of day to day choices and activities to support my growing success, fame or fortune, or even to just survive the red-tape and the technologies of society, it is easy to dismiss any thought of Christ’s presence in my life, or the breath of the Holy Spirit of God in my ear. But when I do deliberately commit time to prayer, to reflection on scripture, to walking mindfully amidst nature, to assisting at Holy Eucharist, or to listening to another soul, I subscribe to the kingdom of heaven and proclaim it to others through my very being. What kind of news am I disseminating to the world around me? Does my life bear witness that the kingdom of heaven is near? Christ Jesus, teach me how to proclaim the good news, that the kingdom of heaven is near. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved. (Psalm 80:19) My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour... Mother Mary in Luke 1:46-47 www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Matthew 10:1-7 As the kingdoms of humankind –be they kingdoms of governance or of business –come and go, it is easy to become caught up in analysis, or fear, or frantic action to keep them afloat. My whole being can be consumed with proclaiming the problems of society, and pontificating about the solutions. But Jesus calls us to proclaim not the wrongs of the kingdoms of this world, but the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. As much as I proclaim the dysfunctions of human systems and institutions, that much I keep myself and others captive in the ‘world the flesh and the devil’. But as much as I proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is near, and just a prayer away, I subscribe to, and send forth, the rhythms and melodies of God’s mercy and righteousness within my own life and in the lives of others. Which kingdom am I proclaiming with my voice and my actions today? Christ Jesus help me proclaim the kingdom of heaven near. See the Lord and his strength. Seek his presence continually. (Psalm 105:4) With God, every moment is the moment of beginning again... Catherine Doherty www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook 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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