Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Genesis 12:1-9 & Matt 7:1-5
Adoration: My soul waits for the Lord … When I interact with others and react to life circumstances with hastiness and multi-tasking, I often make snap judgments and by doing so, cause undue stress to myself and those around me. But when I, like Abram, patiently continue on the journey, waiting for the Lord’s guidance and grace to unfold, I move beyond judgement into mercy received and mercy given. When I am harmed or hurt by events, I bring the rips in the fabric of my soul to the Lord, to watch him patiently and mercifully mend them, and then go more carefully amongst others myself, so as not to rip them to shreds. When I fall into error myself, I bring the stains in my soul to the Lord, to watch him carefully and mercifully soak out the grime, and then more patiently rub shoulders with those around me. My soul waits for the Lord; ‘...Wait for it...!’, I say. Holy Spirit, help me to wait for the Lord. Come to me, all who labour and are burdened, and I will refresh you, says the Lord. (Mt 11: 28) Soli ad gloriam dei
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Holy Spirit, help me embrace the eternal, rather than the passing, things of this life. ..9/18/2015 1 Timothy 6: 2-12
Waves on a beach can be enjoyed and marvelled at, but cannot be embraced. Waves and even shorelines (boundaries) are passing compared to the whole ocean of water that is relatively ‘eternal’. Jesus challenges me, as he did the people of his day, to seek and to see the big picture of human existence. The eternal elements of this world take a life time to discover: the love we bear for one another; the faith that allows us to ‘hope in things unseen’, that is, the created truths and mysteries of things that have form; and the purity of God’s true light, joy, beauty and mercy, those hidden mysteries of God with and in us. What eternal things can I discover and embrace today? Am I prepared to dive into things that are eternal and be immersed, and held up, by them? Holy Spirit, help me embrace the eternal, rather than the passing, things of this life. Why should I fear in times of trouble? (Psalm 49: 5) Let us have no desire to choose our own path, but walk in those which God may be pleased to present to us. St. Vincent de Paul Soli ad gloriam dei. 1 Timothy 4:12-16
Purity gives effectiveness to love and faith. When purity is not present, love can become fickle and faith, self-centred. With purity, love finds its way to God’s truth, and faith finds its rest in the indisputable love of God. How am I being called to purity today? Holy Spirit, help me continue in love, faith and purity. The works of the Lord’s hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. (Psalm 111:7) “If we wish to learn the art of living well and dying well, let us not follow the crowd, which only believes and values what is seen. Instead let us follow Christ.” St. Robert Bellarmine Soli ad gloriam dei 1 Timothy 3:14-16
The deeper I enter into the mystery of Christ the more sure my life becomes. From the heart of the paschal mystery –Christ incarnate, Christ crucified, Christ risen, Christ returning – faith, hope and love gain substance in thought, word and action, and become unshakable. When I live into the great mystery of Christ, no matter what currents of change are eroding the world, I am able to live into the mystery of who I am created to – a beloved daughter of Father God who is Truth in love, and Love in truth. Christ Jesus, help me live into your great mystery. Your words, Lord, are spirit and life. (John 6: 68) “Love is the measure of our ability to bear crosses, whether great or small.” St. Teresa of Jesus Soli ad gloriam dei Psalm 31
.A hunter takes into account the characteristics of his prey when setting a trap along the path it is inclined to follow. So the enemy of life constructs nets of antipathy, resentment and pride along the way of my life’s journey, and baits them with any of the passions that attract me most, given my unique character. As much as I take the bait of that which titillates mind, body or soul, I am caught up in the net of the fowler that has been hidden to catch me and divert me from following Christ. Only obedience with and through Jesus, as demonstrated by our Blessed Mother at the foot of the cross, has the power to deliver me from the web of the enemy who would suck the love of God from my life. Christ Jesus, take me out of the net that is hidden for me. Jesus, with Mary, Mother of Sorrows, I trust in you. My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. (Psalm 31:15) “Seek God in all things, and you shall find God by your side.” St. Peter Claver 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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