Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Galatians 3: 1-5
I can easily assume that my prayers go unanswered and that God ‘doesn’t really care’. Yet when I take the time to quietly contemplate the holy elements of any situation, any relationship or any new understanding, there I can find the gentle, seemingly insignificant, workings of the Holy Spirit. Little by little the Spirit of God continuously creates new possibilities for mercy to enter into my life, if I will but open my heart to receive his gracious gifts. Only with the eyes of servant-humility am I able to perceive these works of love; only with ears attuned to my Master’s voice am I able to hear his song of holiness and healing. Christ Jesus, help me humbly acknowledge the work of your Holy Spirit. Grant us that we, being rescued from our enemies, might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness all our days. (The Benedictus. Luke 1:73) Love doesn't mean doing extraordinary or heroic things. It means knowing how to do ordinary things with tenderness.” Jean Vanier in Community and Growth www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
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Galatians 2: 1-14
St. Paul checked Peter, the first Pope, on his self-conscious behaviour with his fellow Jews that was inconsistent with the truth of the Gospel. Peter graciously accepted the correction and proceeded to lead the church to act consistently with the Gospel through all the seasons and setbacks of human history over the past two millennia. The truth of the Gospel of Love that Jesus proclaimed in his life, and with his death, stand unchanged over time. The truth of the Good News is deeper than any human feelings or experiences. And it goes above and beyond human ideologies and understandings. Christ Jesus, help me act consistently with the truth of the Gospel. Great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. (Psalm 117:2)) Love doesn't mean doing extraordinary or heroic things. It means knowing how to do ordinary things with tenderness.” Jean Vanier in Community and Growth www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Galatians 2: 1-14
So often when I am finding my way in life, I cast around to find some human guide on the side to affirm my decisions or give me advice. Frustration sets in when friends or family are not readily available, or I discover that a counsellor has feet of clay. I can waste so much time and energy looking for help, when really the Master himself is only a prayer away. Today, will I try to find the answers to life’s riddles from other women or men, or will I take time to quietly confer with the one who fashioned my being? Christ Jesus, help me confer more with you than anyone else. Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away. (Psalm 139:1) Do not do anything which you cannot offer to God. St. Jean Vianney www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Galatians 1:6-12
What am I proclaiming with my life? Is it the good news of political change, the bad news of climate change or the startling news of the foibles of humankind? Or am I proclaiming the good news of the Love, Light and Truth of Jesus, by remaining true to my ‘original design’ as a beloved daughter of God, and to my calling as a follower of Jesus. The good news of Jesus is that he is a remedy for sin and dis-ease. Am I willing to proclaim this to the world? Holy Spirit, help me remain true to the good news of Jesus. The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. (Psalm 111:7) Look upon each pain as a love token coming to you directly from God in order to unity you to him. St. Elizabeth of the Trinity 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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