Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Jonah 3:1-10 Jonah had learned his lesson! The second time the Lord spoke to his heart and called him to travel to Nineveh he responded by setting out, according to the word of the Lord. This time he caught a ride to Nineveh rather than away from it. He walked and proclaimed God’s message across the whole city, rather than second guessing the Lord and slinking away to hide himself in the hold of a ship. He aligned himself with the word and the vision of the Lord rather pretending to melt into the common crowd as he had done previously when he headed for Tarshish instead of Nineveh. The result of Jonah setting out according to the word of the Lord was not only the conversion and eventual healing of his own relationship with God, but the conversion of the whole city of Nineveh as well. Am I ready to align myself with the word of God to the extent that I, like Jonah, set out and accomplish that which I am meant to do? Holy Spirit, help me set out according to the word of the Lord. For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem. (Psalm 130:7) The miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
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Jonah 1:1-10 Jonah learned his lesson: Knowing that God was calling him to preach repentance in Nineveh, Jonah thought he could do the comfortable thing, the sensible thing. When he attempted to flee in the opposite direction of God’s calling, he brought disaster not only on himself but on a whole shipload of people. How do I try to limit God’s call on my life? By choosing comfort and common sense as my goal, rather than faith-fully relinquishing all of my ambitions and plans to his will, am I too turning my back on God’s call. Will I follow my own plans or submit myself to the lead of Christ Jesus? Holy Spirit of God, help me submit totally to you. With the voice of thanksgiving I will sacrifice to you. (Jonah 2:9) All of my ambitions, hopes and plans, I surrender these into your hands... Jesus, All for Jesus www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Baruch 4:5-29
Like the Israelites of old, I can drift away from seeking God and instead look for self-referenced entertainment and knowledge. I too can so carelessly forget the everlasting and loving Creator who leads me into everything that is truly worthwhile in life’s journey to focus on the world, the flesh and yes, even some titillating evils of life – jealousies, passions, and other ‘issues’. But as much as I return to God to embrace the salvation he extends to us through Christ Jesus, that much I will be infused with the true joy and peace of being enfolded in his love. How much do I truly will to return to God’s embrace? Holy Spirit, help me return with enthusiasm, with zeal, to seek God. Let your salvation, O God, protect me. (Psalm 69:1) Father – I come to you. I find you in my Being. And the more I find you The more I find of You, bhi The Opening www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Nehemiah 8:1-12 The older I get, the more griefs pile up in my life. It is easy at times to drown in the backlog of unexpected or traumatic deaths and departures, and other disruptions to my life’s journey. But when I turn to consider the joy of the Lord that dances in every breath of wind, every twitch of a muscle and each flutter of leaves, and lights up the smile of a loved one, I can again feel the strength of life running deep and true in my bones. Then I can stand, in soul if not in body, and join in the dance of the joy of the Lord. Holy Spirit, help me move beyond grief because of the joy of the Lord. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. (Psalm 19:8) There is something in humility that strangely exalts the heart. St. Augustine of Hippo 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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