Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Isaiah 11:4-5
Although Moses and other saints have walked with God, their story does not end there. The purpose of life is not so much to become righteous and peaceful oneself, as it is to be an agent of salvation, and mercy, amongst all of humanity. It is not sufficient that I only work out my own salvation. My righteousness –the ability to receive and extend the mercy of God –is fulfilled as much as I allow God’s mercy to flow into each human being around me. Am I open to the frequency of Christ in order that all of us might be led by God into his peace? Christ Jesus, lead us into righteousness and peace. The Lord is our King and he will save us.(Isaiah 33:22) O Lord, leader of the house of Israel, come and redeem us with an outstretched arm. Antiphon for December 18th Jubilee Year of Mercy. This past week Pope Francis opened the door, both literally and figuratively, to the Jubilee year of Mercy. From now until November 30th, 2016, we are invited to deeply comprehend what it means to embrace the Mercy of God more and more fully, and then to extend Mercy to all around us... sisters, brothers, children, spouses, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues, foreigners in our midst ... everyone. Let us all live into the graces of this special year of Mercy. Soli gloriam dei .
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Isaiah 11:2-3
There is a glut of knowledge in the world today. Before the communication age, word of mouth and a few printed resources enriched one’s prayer and scripture reading in the daily search for knowledge. But today the internet, supported by advanced paper, radio, television and social media provides millions of new ‘paths of (useful) knowledge’ each day. How can I begin to sort through all the news casts, journal articles, research reports, let alone images and videos out there to find those most useful to me as a mother, a professional and a beloved daughter of God? By depending on the wisdom of God to guide me through the dark maze of today’s media explosion. Christ Jesus, guide me through the paths of knowledge. He is wonderful in power and excellent in wisdom.(Isaiah 28:29) O Come, Wisdom of the Most High, ordering creation with power and love: teach us to walk in the paths of knowledge! Antiphon for December 17th Jubilee Year of Mercy. This past week Pope Francis opened the door, both literally and figuratively, to the Jubilee year of Mercy. From now until November 30th, 2016, we are invited to deeply comprehend what it means to embrace the Mercy of God more and more fully, and then to extend Mercy to all around us... sisters, brothers, children, spouses, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues, foreigners in our midst ... everyone. Let us all live into the graces of this special year of Mercy. Soli gloriam dei . Isaiah 45:6-25
When boredom, doubt, despair, or fatigue lap at the shores of my being, I often try out various forms of relief –immersing myself in the arts, reading a book or a web search, attending events or working to make money and establish financial security. But on the other side of each of these pursuits is a familiar void, an emptiness that can be filled only by connection with others and with God. Simple as it may be, any kind of intentional connection with the Holy Spirit of God through conversation (listening and speaking), with the Lord through prayer or with others through mindful communication, leads to much deeper relief than any number of diversions or engagement with ‘securities’. Jesus calls out, “Come to me...” Christ Jesus, help me turn to you and be saved. He will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. (1 Corinthians 4: 5) Nothing graces the Christian soul so much as mercy. Saint Ambrose Jubilee Year of Mercy. This past week Pope Francis opened the door, both literally and figuratively, to the Jubilee year of Mercy. From now until November 30th, 2016, we are invited to deeply comprehend what it means to embrace the Mercy of God more and more fully, and then to extend Mercy to all around us... sisters, brothers, children, spouses, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues, foreigners in our midst ... everyone. Let us all live into the graces of this special year of Mercy. Soli gloriam dei . Psalm 25 Taking paths of self-centredness and indulgence, where I am seeking pleasure, success, comfort and security, I do not find the footsteps of Jesus. On such paths, grief, failure and suffering have no place, and make no sense. However, with Christ's transforming power and wisdom, the realities of grief, failure and suffering often bear the fruits of wisdom, faith, hope and love. As much as I take paths of mercy, both received and given, I am able to find the same paths through life as Jesus. It is there that I meet Christ, and find healing, as well as joy, peace, and the truth of Mercy itself. There the realities of grief, failure and suffering bear the fruits of wisdom, faith, hope and love. Christ Jesus, teach me your paths and lead me in your truth. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff –they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4) Nothing graces the Christian soul so much as mercy. Saint Ambrose Jubilee Year of Mercy. This past week Pope Francis opened the door, both literally and figuratively, to the Jubilee year of Mercy. From now until November 30th, 2016, we are invited to deeply comprehend what it means to embrace the Mercy of God more and more fully, and then to extend Mercy to all around us... sisters, brothers, children, spouses, parents, other relatives, friends, neighbours, colleagues, foreigners in our midst ... everyone. Let us all live into the graces of this special year of Mercy. Soli gloriam dei . Zechariah 2:10 -13
Deep joy has a lasting and constant source –the well-spring of God’s life and love embraced and expressed in our lives, who is Christ Jesus. I can rejoice in any small finger print of God –another’s smile, a wonderful piece of artwork or music, the delicate beauty of a flower, the rhythm of a day well-lived in Mercy –but upon reflection, it is the fragrance of God that causes rejoicing, not the creation, but the Creator. Christ present and loved in heart, mind, soul and strength, this is the Christ-mass to be celebrated every day of the year. Christ Jesus, let me rejoice with you in our midst. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:30) The fulfillment of joy is to behold God in everything. Julian of Norwich December 12 is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, an appearance of Mother Mary that has greatly impacted North America. See: http://www.catholic.org/about/guadalupe.php 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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