Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
2 Maccabees 6: 18-31
The story of Eleazar, an elder scribe of the Jewish community under pressure to compromise and give up their faith in God, illustrates how we in this present day also need to stand in our Christian faith. “But making high resolve, worthy of his years and his dignity.. . he declared himself quickly. ‘Such pretence is not worthy of my time.’” As one who knows the justice of the mercy and glory of God, I too need to stand firmly on the promises and truth of God’s connection with humankind, and refuse to do what is not right: living godlessly, polluting the earth or turning a hard heart to those in need of compassion and redemption around me. Christ Jesus, give me courage to refuse what is not right. You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. (Psalm 3:1) Love cannot remain by itself –it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action and that action is service. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Soli gloriam dei .
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1 Maccabees 1:10-43,
The manifestations of humanity gone wrong seem to come in endless varieties. In the big picture, terrorist activities, human trafficking, and anarchist governments lead to startling and horrific abuse and maltreatment of men, women and children. In our own ‘free’ country of Canada, human oppression is more subtle. Laws permitting the killing of ‘inconvenient’ unborn children or adults who are infirm, legislated curriculum materials that promote unhealthy life-styles and the purging and misalignment of historical data dehumanize Canadians of all ages. I cannot simply ignore these signs of human oppression; to do so is to passively support their power. But I can seek to understand what is going on about me in the light of the Gospel and to live into the redemption that God offers men, women and children of all ages, at all times, in all places, in all circumstances through the mercy of God through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Christ Jesus, redeem me from human oppression that I may keep your ways. I was pushed hard so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. (Psalm 118:13,14) Love is a mystery that transforms everything it touches into things beautiful and pleasing to God. Saint Faustina Kowalska Soli gloriam dei . Wisdom 13:1-9 & Psalm 19
Trees manifest how we are to be firmly rooted and grounded in God. Birds demonstrate the faithfulness of God. Clouds scudding by bespeak the hidden mystery of the Son of God. Rain shows how the mercy of God showers us with grace. A finely tuned machine echoes the infinite complexities of God’s creation. Even relationships with others show us the face of God and let us know in their wholeness the joy of companionship; and in their brokenness the grace of forgiveness and healing revealed by Christ Jesus in his death and resurrection. When I take time to be still and reflect on all of creation around me, I cannot help but find the face of God. Let all of creation, O Lord, help us find you. The heavens are telling the glory of God ... There is no speech, or are there words; their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4) Love is a mystery that transforms everything it touches into things beautiful and pleasing to God. Saint Faustina Kowalska Soli gloriam dei . Wisdom 7:1-8:1 & Luke 17:20 –25
Christ Jesus, as the Word of God and Creator with God of all that is, places his words in our heart continually – through scripture, nature, art and music, writings of saints, preaching of pastors, and in the Liturgies of the Word and of Eucharist. How many of these words in [my] life remain folded up, or ‘go in one ear and out the other’ as the saying goes? But when [I] allow the Holy Spirit of Jesus to unfold these words one by one, by taking time, often in silence, to reflect on them in their unfolding, [ I] am truly enlightened and enlivened to live into the holiness of God. Christ Jesus, unfold your words in my heart. The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130) The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you. Jesus Christ, Luke 17: 20-21) Soli gloriam dei . Wisdom 6:1-11
Each day brings new challenges of reason and freedom. On the one hand, new scientific discoveries, interesting philosophical ideas, and a fresh awareness of past events force me to perceive life in this world and the next in new ways. On the other hand, my options for freedom of choice are constantly changing, according to personal health limitations, community safety issues, or even global events. How can I ever make sense of all that the world throws up, and respond without descending into the spiral of fear and despair? Only by turning to God, through faith in the redemption of Jesus, and soaking in his unconditional love am I able to fully embrace the holiness, the whole-ness, that is an inheritance as a beloved daughter of God. Let faith and love in you, O Lord, inform our reason and freedom. For they will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness; and those who have been taught them will find a defence. (Wisdom 6:10) It is not science [or freedom] that redeems man; man is redeemed by love. Pope Benedict XVI Spe Salvi: On Christian Hope 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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