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Isaiah 4:2-6
Scorching sun parches living flesh or at very least produces heat exhaustion. Stormy winds and chilling rain are no less debilitating, particularly when outside temperatures are low. Similarly, exposure to the spiritual elements of scorching judgement and bitterness, the wild winds of indifference or the bone chilling rains of fearful grief (or despair), can paralyze my being. Thanks be to God who, for those of us who know him, is a sure refuge, a canopy . The Lord covers [us] with a layer of mercy lined with his glory that protects me from the ‘sunstroke’ of indifference and bitterness, and from the kind of ‘hypothermia’ that results from overwhelming grief and despair. Father God, be to me a canopy of shade and protection. Let us see your face and we shall be saved ... (Psalm 80. ) Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness. St. Teresa of Calcutta www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
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Romans 13:11-14
I can walk around naked of spirit, ‘just being me’, or I can put on spiritual garments that protect and prepare me for action in life. St. Paul urges us to put on the armour of light in the midst of the darkness. “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” he says, “and make no provision for the flesh to satisfy its desires.” Chasing after possessions and passions quickly becomes an identity that, whether I like it or not, clothes me with pride and callousness. But when I put on the humility, wisdom and goodness of Jesus, then the Holy Spirit of God can awaken my soul to heal and give life to the world as a follower of Jesus. Christ Jesus, help me put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and in no way give into the flesh. To you I lift up my soul, O my God. (Psalm 24:1) Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart? St. Gerard Majella www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Philemon 7-20 I do not love in order to build my own stairway to heaven. Rather, my love is meant to enrich and nurture the lives of others around me. As much as my love tries to control outcomes and to cultivate approval from others, it is essentially fruitless. But as much as my compassion produces joy and courage in others, it is fulfilling its purpose. Am I willing to participate in the Mercy of God so fully that others find within my struggles and stumbling steps seeds of joy and encouragement? Lord, let others receive much joy and encouragement from my love. The Lord sets the prisoners free. (Psalm 146:7) Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness. St. Teresa of Calcutta www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
Titus 1, 1-9 & Psalm 24
The more years that go by, the more my sphere of influence grows, and I become a teacher of younger generations. Whether intentionally or unintentionally I show others by my words, but more by my attitudes and my actions, how to live. Am I teaching others to be self-centred, flesh-focused and frivolous? Or am I teaching others the real goods of life – compassion, faithfulness and hope? Am I teaching what is temporal and passing, or am I teaching what is ‘good’ and lasting? Holy Spirit of God, help me teach only what is good. Trust in the Lord and do good ...depart from evil and do good. (Psalm 37:3, 27) Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness. St. Teresa of Calcutta www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
Ezekiel 47: 1-12 Just as water flowing from the threshold of the temple makes stagnant waters fresh, gives life to every living creature, and produces healing fruit, so the breath of the Holy Spirit flowing out from humanity makes all things new. Interestingly, it is often through the humility of my imperfections and my ‘feet of clay’ - the weaknesses I share with all of humanity - that the Holy Spirit is able to breath new life into other lives with mine. Do I have enough holes in my being to let the healing and life-giving Spirit of God flow through? Holy Spirit of God, flow through me to bring life and healing to others. Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what awesome things he has brought on the earth. (Psalm 46:8) Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness. 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 2023
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