Matthew 23:27-32
 
Jesus faulted the scribes and Pharisees for being truly unholy, for being hypocrites. The homonyms of the word ‘holy’ reveal much about the nature of a human heart fully aligned with its Creator. Related to ‘holy’ are ‘wholly’ and ‘holey’. By inference, if I am holy, it does not mean that I am a religious, pious, and disconnected ‘white-washed tomb’, but rather a ‘whole’ being, not fragmented but integrated, not dis-associative but congruent, not unstable but unshakable, one who is holistic and connected, both inside and outwardly.  Additionally, if I am holy it means that I am ‘holey’, that is, I have enough ‘holes’ of weakness, humility, and not knowing in my being that the wind of the Holy Spirit can blow through me, sweeping away dust and ashes, and infusing my soul with God’s fragrance of life and love. Am I full of corruption or can I imagine being holy in heart, mind, soul and strength? Holy Spirit, help me be holy through and through.
                                                                              
You have searched me and know me, Lord.   (Psalm 139:1)
 
There are only two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way." 
C.S. Lewis The Great Divorce
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei
 

Hebrews 12: 5-13
 
Knees are a very important part of human physiology! Strong knees allow us to walk well and to engage in the humility of kneeling prayer, communication with children, and to engage like Christ Jesus in the washing of the feet of our travel-worn, life-weary, brothers and sisters. When I am facing challenges to my faith, my hope, and my love, whether at home, at church or my place of work, it is time to strengthen my knees so that I don’t become disjointed by pride, judgements or complaints, and can still manage to continue along my life’s journey, bending down to pray and to serve others. How strong and flexible are my ‘knees’ today?  If they are out of joint do they need the healing touch of our Saviour?  Holy Spirit, help me strengthen my knees so they are not put out of joint, but are healed. 
                                                                  
You are the God who works wonders; you have displayed your might among the peoples.  (Psalm 77:14)
 
The greatness of contemplation can be given to none but those who love.
St. Gregory the Great
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei

 
Ruth 1:1 – 4:22
 
Mainstream society is fast-paced at best and chaotically frantic at worst. As I live into my trust in God and seek his will, I often attempt to match my faith-journey with society’s tempo, rather than letting faith in-form my social interactions. The story of Ruth is a gentle reminder of how God’s evenly-paced opera unfolds in my life and in the world at large.  God’s ways begin and end with committed love, as did Ruth’s.  Her story opens with a demonstration of her love for Naomi, following her mother –in-law to a foreign land, and ends with her and her children enfolded in the love of Boaz.  As Ruth lived, and waited, through the various seasons of her life –her marriage to Naomi’s son, his untimely death, her mother in law’s return to Judea, gathering grain day to day behind the reapers in Bethlehem, and lying at the feet of Boaz –not only her own life story, but also God’s will, unfolded, revealing her as a great, great grandmother Jesus.  Will I notice today how God’s will unfolds so gracefully, so peacefully and so generously in and through my life, as much as I trust Him?  Holy Spirit of Jesus, teach me waiting as I embrace your will.
 
The Lord is near to all who call on him to all who call on him in truth.  (Psalm 145:18)
 
When the life of an individual or a family is rooted in that great tranquility of God’s order, when its ends are Christocentric, and Faith is an essential part of it, then joy, true laughter and real gaiety flower abundantly.
Catherine Doherty, People of the Towel and Water 
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 
 

 
Matthew 20:1-16

 
In the economy of the world, there is always some excuse to put celebrations, quiet times of contemplation and prayers with Creator at the bottom of a ‘to do’ list. Christ Jesus showed us a different set of values – cherish invitations to feasts and festivities, consider the lilies of the field and other signs of God in nature, and arise early from sleep to commune with God. In spite of, or perhaps because of, his death on a cross and his resurrection, Jesus had an undeniably full-filled and fruitful life, and continues to show us how to embrace the abundant life that God holds out to each of his sons and daughters. Invitations to feast in the nearer presence of the King of Creation are always there.  Will I show up on time and appropriately garbed (with faith, hope and love) at all the feasts and events God is inviting me to?  Holy Spirit, teach me how to respond to your invitation to abundant life.  
 
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet... Human loyalty will reach up from the earth and God’s righteousness will look down from heaven.   (Psalm 85:10-11)
 
When the life of an individual or a family is rooted in that great tranquility of God’s order, when its ends are Christocentric, and Faith is an essential part of it, then joy, true laughter and real gaiety flower abundantly.
Catherine Doherty, People of the Towel and Water 
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 

Judges 6:11-24
 
Like Gideon, we are today living in an oppressive and confusing world.  For us it is not the Midianites but issues like global warming, artificial intelligence, rampant relativism and a subtle culture of death that have us trying to live with God in secret. And, like Gideon, the Lord approaches us. But for us in this era of the gifting of the Holy Spirit of God on earth, through the redemptive power of Christ Jesus, it is not an angel of the Lord, but Christ himself who meets us and calls out: “The Lord is with you! Go in this might of yours and deliver your people!”  Like Gideon, I too protest – I have limited energy and resources; I don’t have all the credentials; nobody has appointed me a position.  Then the Lord says to me, as to Gideon, “But I will be with you!  Peace be to you! Do not fear!  You shall not die from this!” What sign has God given me to indicate my role as an intercessor, encourager, as a writer, or as a person of welcome? How will I real-ize, that is, make my role real, in bringing the Good News of Christ’s salvation to the world?  Christ Jesus, help me real-ize my role in your kingdom.
                                                                  
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet... Human loyalty will reach up from the earth and God’s righteousness will look down from heaven.   (Psalm 85:10-11)
 
One of the most beautiful ways for spiritual formation to take place is to let your insecurity lead you closer to the Lord.
Heni Nouwen
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei