Corinthians 1: 17-25

St.Paul was brilliant. Not only did he speak several languages, but he was a prolific writer, a dynamic speaker and a respected philosopher and Pharisee, with both Jewish and Roman lineage.  Yet Paul chose not to depend on ‘eloquent wisdom’ or even powerful signs in his work of proclaiming the Good News. Instead he insisted on pointing people to the crucifixion of Jesus, leaving all of his own intellectual powers and accomplishments at the foot of the cross. Am I, like St. Paul, satisfied with letting my personal powers and especially my intellect be subservient to the depths of wisdom made manifest by the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus?  Holy Spirit, teach me the wisdom of the Cross of Christ. 
     
The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.  (Psalm 33:11)
 
The cross of Christ looks like death, but really it is life.  
Fr. Ronald Rolheiser  
         
Soli gloriam dei.

1 Corinthians 1, 1-9 
As much as I choose security, comfort or wealth as my ‘end’ I will need to rely on my own powers to see me through, because such goals are not part of God’s kingdom. But as much as my goals align with those of God, I can rely on God while choosing to ‘run with perseverance the race set before me, looking unto Jesus, the author and goal of my faith’ (Hebrews 12). Clearly, I can trust in God’s strength to the end, how-ever, when-ever and where-ever my own particular race course takes me. As any Olympian knows, at least 50% of an athlete’s perseverance depends on inner strength. God specializes in strengthening our hearts, minds and souls, particularly with joy and peace as we glorify him, so that we might go the distance, no matter what hurdles we face in this life.  Am I willing to run the race of my life to it’s natural end, depending on strength from God?  Holy Spirit of God, strengthen me to the end.  
     
O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me! .  (Psalm 70:1)
 
The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases.  
St. Rose of Lima
                                                
Soli gloriam dei.

2 Thess 2:1-17
 
Wars and rumours of wars, in family, in community or in the wider world, can lead to anxiety or paralysis and ultimately despair.  When I sink energy and time into the possibility of disaster and allow myself to be sucked into the vortex of fear and chaos I will find no comfort and no strength. But when I meditate on the ongoing passion of Christ Jesus, and his quiet, simple and glorious resurrection, my heart can indeed be comforted.  Then as I lean into the ‘next best step’ of my journey with Christ, I find His strength to make my work(s) fruitful, no matter how small they are, and my words to others, and to myself, become words of inspiration, joy and life, no matter what else is going on around us. Will I give into fear or focus on Christ?  Christ Jesus, comfort my heart and strengthen me in every good work and word.  
     
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.  (Psalm 51:12)
 
The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases.  
St. Rose of Lima
                                                                                                       
Soli gloriam dei.

Rev 21, 9-14
 
No matter the circumstances in which I find myself, there is one sure direction; I can always take the next best step to walk firmly and faithfully to, and with, God.  Who are those who have been healed physically, mentally or spiritually? Those who have journeyed faithfully with God. Who are the Saints of the ages? Those who have stood firm in faithfulness to God. Who are those who today move mountains of human agony and injustice?  Those who stand firm in faithfulness to God. Am I ready to choose the option to live my life standing, firm, in faithfulness? Holy Spirit, help me stand firm in faithfulness to God. 
                                                   
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.  (Psalm 51:12)
 
The gift of grace increases as the struggle increases.  
St. Rose of Lima
 
Soli gloriam dei.

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​Ezekiel 43: 1-7 & Psalm 85

As much as human relationships spring out of the combination of steadfast love and faithfulness they become powerful and unshakable, a place where righteousness and peace kiss each other.  The Holy Family demonstrates such relationships. Based on her steadfast love and faithfulness to God, Mary accepted the angel’s announcement, brought Jesus the Christ to birth, mothered him through childhood, adolescence and young adulthood (till the age of 33 –no small feat!) and stayed by his side through his passion and crucifixion.  As a spouse, Joseph accepted, fully loved, and was faithful to Mary. As a father, Joseph guided his small family to safety in a foreign country, with unshakable love and faith.  As the Son of God and ‘friend of sinners’, Jesus manifested the ultimate steadfast love and faithfulness of a Son for a Father, of a Son for his mother, and of a friend for friends. Do I truly long for the righteousness and peace experienced by the Holy Family in their lives? Will I allow the Holy Spirit to nurture and combine steadfast love and faithfulness in my relationships?  Lord God, let steadfast love and faithfulness meet in me so that ‘righteousness and peace can kiss each other’.
   
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.  (Psalm 51:12)
 
The rivers of grace cannot flow uphill, up the steep cliff of the proud person’s heart.
St. Bernard de Clairvaux
                                                                                                       

 
Soli gloriam dei.