Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Wisdom 7:22-8:1 This ancient and eloquent passage from the times of King Solomon describing wisdom - which is indeed the Spirit of God . Although it lists more than 50 attributes it still falls short of defining or even describing that which is more real than even any object on earth. Indeed it would take more than a life-time for any individual to know the Holy Wisdom of God in its entirety, and during our short span of life, we can hope only to real-ize, that is to engage and live into, Holy Wisdom, with each minute of every day. Holy Wisdom is manifest in Holy pursuits and the nature of holy things and people. What are some of these manifestations of Holy Wisdom? How can they in-form me, and so align me with the Holy Spirit of God. Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me notice and be in-formed by your Holy Wisdom. *In five minutes I filled a second page (following) with ‘holy’ things, pursuits, and people, all Biblical images that are still relevant today, all touched and enlivened by Holy Wisdom. Would your list be any different? They will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness, and those who have been taught them will find a defence. (Wisdom 1:10 ) A waiting person is a patient person. The word patience means the willingness to stay where we are and live the situation out to the full in the belief that something hidden there will manifest itself to us.” ― Henri J.M. Nouwen www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Holy Things: Light playing on water The fllickering flame of a candle Ripened grain on a stalk of wheat A bunch of grapes, ripe and warm in the sun The moon shining in the night Stars stretching to infinity A sprouting seed in good soil The cooing of a morning dove Pomegranate juice squirting The design of a lily The fragrance of a peace rose A draping prayer shawl fluttering with movement Lightening and rolls of thunder Soaring mountain slopes Lush valleys watered by still waters Family companionship The smile of a kind stranger Light falling from an open doorway Supper set for a friend, who comes A fish net being woven Waiting with patience Wisdom... a spotless mirror of the working of God... A hymn being sung in unison A hymn being sun in harmony The Lord’s prayer A walk with Mary around her rose garden Anointed head, hands ... and heart Incense rising at adoration Liturgy of the Word Holy Communion Self-less love
0 Comments
Wisdom 2:23 – 3:9 Just as he invited his disciples to stay with him in Galilee, Jesus invites me, invites us, to stay with him in his love. At any time of any day, I have the option to strike out on my own terms, and produce my own ‘egodrama’* starring none other than me, myself and I. But how much better it is to stay close by Jesus, and look to him for advice in dealing with the people and plots of my life. Jesus’ deep and infinite understanding of love, mercy, compassion and kindness is always present in his presence and available for me to discover, and put into practice. in my own life. A child is irritating me – I find in Jesus’ love a kind and wise answer to his ‘attitude’. A companion makes a foolish or cutting remark – Jesus’ humble and lively love helps me to call them without judgement to new life. A device glitches, snow piles up, or my dog takes off – in Jesus’ nearer presence I find the infinite patience and positivity of perfect love. Pain blinds my soul, I am bed-bound, and waking energy is at a premium – enfolded in the love of Jesus I find voice to be thankful for every shred of life he has given me. Today will I strive to ‘be good’ or will I run for help straight into the love of Jesus? Holy Spirit of God, help me stay with you in your love. *Bishop Barron, Nov 6, 2019 You hem me in behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. (Psalm 139:5 ) The greatest honor we can give Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love. ― Julian of Norwich www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Holy Spirit of God grow within me a holy and disciplined spirit that will flee from deceit...11/11/2019 Wisdom 1:1-7 It is the half-truths and lies that lead me into sinkholes of fear, shame and hatred, and often into the misty flats of sadness, confusion, and despair. I know it is better to look to the Truth, rather than become caught up in the deceits of evil. But it is one thing to know about the Truth, and another to persevere in living into the Truth - of love and wisdom. How am I able to engage the Truth? The writer of the Book of Wisdom noted that a holy and a disciplined spirit runs away from the deceits of unrighteousness - of darkness and of ‘ego drama’ *. Just as there is no place in God’s realm for darkness, there is no place in God’s dwelling (my spirit) for the shadows of deceit. As much as I cultivate holiness and true discipline of heart, mind, soul and strength, that much I will recognize and be able to engage the mercy of God and his infinite wisdom. Today will I cultivate self-satisfaction and follow my wandering inclinations, or will I welcome the nudges of the Holy Spirit to grow up into holiness and self-discipline. God grow within me a holy and disciplined spirit that will flee from deceit. *Bishop Barron, Nov 6, 2019 You hem me in behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. (Psalm 139:5 ) When you are in a tunnel and you see nothing at all, it is advisable to remain near the handrail; otherwise, without noticing it, you will wander off and get turned around. Jean-Charles Nault, O.S.B., The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of our Times. Ignatius Press, 2013 www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Romans 12:5-16 It is easy to rejoice in things seen, even though they can be short lived – the beauty of flowers, successes at work, an encounter with a long-time friend, etcetera. It is more difficult to rejoice in the theological virtues of faith, hope and love, even though I know that they are long-lasting. In those cold, grey November days of life, when flowers don’t bloom, work may seem dreary and friends seem to be few and certainly far between, it is easy to believe the lie that this is the end of things; that faith, hope and love are but blooms that are ultimately frost-bitten and die. But St. Paul at the behest of Jesus himself calls his readers to rejoice in a living hope. As I study the principles of God’s creation so evident in the seasons of nature, and look for avenues of hope in every circumstance and event of my life’s journey, I find long-standing promises of God that, far from being short-lived, are eternal reminders that there is always room for hope: that the full and warm light of God’s mercy is near at hand, and that the Good News of new life hidden in and through the Holy Spirit of Jesus is but a prayer-breath away. And then I can rejoice, every day, in so many ways. Will I study the promises of God’s mercy and presence so that I can continually practice joy? Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me rejoice in hope. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother. (Psalm 131:2 ) The greatest honor we can give Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love. ― Julian of Norwich www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei 1 John 3: 1-3 The compliments or complaints of others do not define my being. Rather it is the truth of who I am as a child of God, set apart as I was at my Baptism as a member of God’s family, that defines my being. As a child of God, like my Father, through the Holy Spirit at work in me, I have many divine attributes. Like Christ Jesus, I have a great capacity to be pure and holy; to create and make right; to heal and to call to life; to forgive and to love; and to point others to the Good News of the redemption of Christ Jesus, and the absolute truth of God’s mercy and light. Will I live into this inheritance? Holy Spirit, help me real-ize who I am as a child of God. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? Someone who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up their soul to what is false (Psalm 24:3,4) The saints live not after the fashion of the world. The dignity of the saints is so great because they are not this world, but of the household of God. ― St. Thomas Aquinas For an interesting meditation on welcoming God into life, see Robet Boyd Munger’s My Heart Christ’s Home, https://www.usna.edu/Navigators/_files/documents/MHCH.pdf www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad 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
Categories |