Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
1 Corinthians 10:14-22a
When I sit at table with our Living Lord, and partake of the ‘food’ and the ‘drink’ (life experiences) that he has chosen to serve me in his company, I can think of no better fare. And yet, I sometimes wander away from the table of the Lord, seeking new and scintillating experiences in life. It is then that I am most at risk of dining on foods and drink that do not agree with the nature of God imprinted within me – and make me soul-sick. Thankfully, through the mercy of God, I can come back to the table of the Lord and with humility ask again to partake of his simple yet nourishing feast of life. Am I willing to be content with the soul-food that Jesus distributes? Holy Spirit, help me partake only of the food of your table. What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me. (Psalm 116:12 ) All that I am and all that I have comes from you; I give it all back to you to stand under your will alone. Your love and your mercy are enough for me. I ask for nothing more. St. Ignatius of Loyola www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
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1 Corinthians 9: 16-27
Self control, or self-discipline, is the key to success for athletes and artists, and for followers of Jesus. Not only Jesus, not only Paul, but all the saints of the ages of humankind have been women and men of great self-control. Fasting, prayer and works of charity are hallmarks of the true disciples of Jesus –and very much the modus operandi of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. As much as I exercise the gifts and the ‘muscles’ of my life, by controlling peripheral actions and appetites of ‘the world, the flesh and the devil’, I am able to keep up with Christ as a ‘follower of Jesus’. Christ Jesus, help me be self-controlled in all things. No good thing does the Lord uphold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 ) Be faithful in small things, because it is in them that your strength lies. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta See: http://info.franciscanmedia.org/mother-teresa Soli gloriam dei. Romans 8:28-30
In all of my relationships ... In each of my roles ... Through all of my character traits... Throughout my times of anguish and of joy ... By means of my life-story ... Today in each breath, each thought, each word, each action ... And on into the next part of my journey ... Lord God, conform me to the image of your Son. No good thing does the Lord uphold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 ) "Each one of them is Jesus in disguise.” “Sweetest Lord, make me appreciative of the dignity of my high vocation, and its many responsibilities. Never permit me to disgrace it by giving way to coldness, unkindness, or impatience." St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta See: http://info.franciscanmedia.org/mother-teresa www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. 1 Corinthians 6:1-11
Sanctification is the primary goal or every joy and every heart-ache in life. Having sin cleaned out of heart, mind, soul and strength is no small feat. Unfortunately, it often requires the pain of cutting away the ‘malignant tumours’ of addictions or ‘bullets’ of grief or fear that have lodged in our lives. As much as I trust God’s healing skill as the master surgeon of souls, that much joy can replace the anxiety of not knowing ‘why bad things happen to good people’. Am I willing to permit and embrace the (surgical) sanctification of my life? Lord God, help me live into your sanctification of my life. Sing to God a new song. (Psalm 149:1) ) Fear is such a powerful emotion for humans that when we allow it to take us over, it drives compassion right out of our hearts. St. Thomas Acquinas www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. 1 Corinthians 5:1-8
There is much to celebrate about life. Even in the midst of great suffering, one small act of kindness, one small glimpse of natural beauty, or even one small smile can be cause for celebration. As much as I explore the deep truths of my own humanity and of creation, that is those that are hidden in God, I am able to celebrate with sincerity (literally without wax or free from pretence). Holy Spirit, let me celebrate life with sincerity and truth. The Lord is near to all who call upon him who call upon him in truth. (Psalm 145:18) Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. St. Teresa of Calcutta www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli 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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