Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Isaiah 41:13-20
Adoration: Christ Jesus, I am walking with you today ... _ Intercession: Christ Jesus help N.________ walk with you. Isaiah give us three images of our response to God. Sometimes [I] am like a light-weight, hard shelled insect fleetingly buzzing about the many things in life that catch my interest. On the other hand, sometimes [I] am like a worm writhing in the rain or burrowing into the humus of my being. But I am called to be a daughter of God, walking in step beside Jesus, upright, and connected with both earth and heaven, and most importantly with my hand in Christ’s hand, not pulling away or letting go, but contentedly gripping his stronger, bigger, faithful hand, and letting him guide me and care with, and for, me. Christ Jesus, I am walking with you today. Christ Jesus help my children, my spouse, parents and others walk with you today. 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 Soli gloriam dei .
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Isaiah 40: 25-31
A child climbing up on a stool perched on top of a chair, and reaching for a lighter on top of the fridge can be reprimanded by a parent, ‘Child, that’s not your style!’. What I think is ‘right’ -or interesting, or good for me, or a step up, or ahead –is not necessarily so. I might even ask with Isaiah, “Why is my way hidden from the Lord and my right disregarded by my God?” But is my ‘style’ or idea of right truly in keeping with who I am and what I need to do, or say, or even contemplate? Having already rightly lived a human life on earth, Jesus can teach me the right style of life, that is, those things that may lead through my unique ‘way of the cross’, but will always lead to eternal life. Christ Jesus, teach me your style of ‘right’. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentl and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:30) Mother Mary, inspire us to act justly, to revere all God has made. Root peace firmly in our hearts and in our world. Saint John Paul II Soli gloriam dei . Isaiah 35:1-10 & Luke 5: 17-26
The high-way, the Holy Way of God, is the way of the merciful, the pure in heart, the hungry for God, the poor in spirit, and the peacemakers. Christ Jesus walked this path more surely than any other person, free from envy, pride, malice and all the other sins that side track [me] from the journey of [my] life-time. How is Jesus calling me back to his side as he walks along? What do I need to leave behind to get back on track? Christ Jesus, help me walk the Holy Path with you. He who ponders the law of the Lord day and night will yield fruit in due season. (Psalm 1:2&3) Thanks be to the Gospel, by means of which we also, who did not see Christ when he came into this world, seem to be with him when we read his deeds. Saint Ambrose Soli gloriam dei . Isaiah 30:19-26
Wounds of heart and soul are often very deep, deeper even than the wounds, diseases and sicknesses of the body; indeed research is proving that many physical ailments stem from inner wounding. Furthermore, wounds of heart and soul are sometimes too complex, too deep, and hidden, and often too many for [me] to comprehend, let alone heal, in [my]self or anyone else. What to do? Only the wise mercy of God, poured out as it is through Christ Jesus, and accessed through our own forgiveness of others (and of ourselves), can heal wounds and diseases caused by the affliction and adversities of the world. God whispers to each beloved son and daughter, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ Christ Jesus, have mercy on me! Heal the wounds in my heart and soul! He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3) What is more valuable than to be in the hand of God? God is Life and Light, and those who are in God’s hands are life and light. Saint John Damascene Soli gloriam dei . :saiah 29:17-24 & Matthew 9:27-31
It is easy to grumble and complain, and in this way be pulled into shadowy half-truths that accompany a spirit of criticism and dissatisfaction. Based on the sins of envy and pride, grumbling and complaining are always a sign that I need to turn again to Jesus, the Author of Life. In Christ Jesus, I will again find instruction in the ways of truth and love, of forgiveness and acts of mercy, or understanding and light. Do I believe, like the two blind men who followed our Lord into a house, that Jesus can heal my blindness and help me see again so that I don’t stumble –and grumble? What instruction does Christ Jesus have for me today? Lord, help me not to grumble but accept instruction. The Lord is my light and my salvation. (Psalm 27:1) What is more valuable than to be in the hand of God? God is Life and Light, and those who are in God’s hands are life and light. Saint John Damascene 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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