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2 Samuel 7:1-16
Just as Mary and Joseph were present at the birth of Jesus, so I am called to attend his birth in the world today. I am called to patiently allow his presence to grow within me, to find a place to give Jesus rest – no matter how crude, to be in conversation with others, to attend this great mystery of Christ’s birth in the world, and to care for and nurture his presence in my life. How can I serve Jesus through this season of Christmas? Christ Jesus, help me serve you without fear, in lowliness and righteousness, all the days of my life. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people. (Luke 1:69) Child in Bethlehem appearing, Neither hurt nor hatred fearing, You we worship, God receiving, Jesus, Saviour, Emmanuel . Polish Carol May you and your loved ones be blessed with the Joy and Peace of Christ Jesus throughout these 12 days of the Christmas season! www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
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Luke 1:39-45
When Mary received the conception of Christ Jesus, she opened herself to 9months of a socially awkward pregnancy, gave birth for the first time in a dusty manure-strewn stable, with only her new husband in attendance, and was expected to share her new-born ‘special’ son with rough-house shepherds within hours of his birth. By giving birth to Jesus, Mary also signed up to stand at the foot of her son’s cross as he was crucified on false pretexts 33 years later – because she willingly became the mother of the Son of Man who was the Son of God. This was the favour that God extended to the Mother of God. How did Mary receive such favour from the Lord? Mary’s response was the phrase that echoes through the centuries and resounds in my own life, “Be it with me according to your word.” Will I complain or embrace Mary’s fiat when I encounter the Lord’s similar favour when I come up against uncomfortable circumstances, soaked as they are in God’s promises, in my life? Help me not to be afraid of your favour, Lord. Blessed is she who believed there would be fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord. (Luke 1:45) Christ does not force our will. He takes only what we give him. St. Teresa of Avila www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Matthew 1:1-17
In Jesus’ day the Torah, coupled with oral history, reminded his people of their lineage and ‘family trees’. Without a doubt Jesus would have been aware of the sins of his ancestors – and of the resulting repentance, faithfulness and trust in God of those who chose to be open and obedient to God’s will. By the ultimate openness and obedience to God’s wisdom and will, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and her husband Joseph became the parents of Jesus, the Son of God made man who not only redeemed their lineage from its propensity to sin, but also redeemed and redeems all who believe in him – no matter what sins their ancestors committed. How does my family tree need healing? Christ Jesus, by your mercy redeem our family tree. Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall enter his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false. (Psalm 24:3,4) Christ does not force our will. He takes only what we give him. St. Teresa of Avila www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Malachi 3: 1-4 & 4:5-6
There are many turns off the road to Bethlehem. Resentments, passions and vanities when given one moment of my attention can prevent me from getting to Bethlehem on time to welcome Christ Jesus into the manger of my heart –messy as it may be. What impurities have crept into my heart and mind that are creating static out of the songs of the angels, clouding my sense of direction, or pulling my (inner) eye-lids down over unfocussed and sleepy eyes to keep me from finding Jesus in the humble circumstances of life the dark of nights of the soul? As I approach this Christmas season, Lord, purify my heart to become a willing and worthy resting place for Jesus, God Saves, Emmanuel God With Us. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. (Psalm 25:1) Child in Bethlehem appearing, Neither hurt nor hatred fearing, You we worship, God receiving, Jesus, Saviour, Emmanuel . Polish Carol www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Judges13: 2-25 As long as I resist authority, complain about life circumstances, or try to heap up possessions, power and control, I am not accepting God’s purpose for my life. Instead, I am actively rejecting his mandate of Love. God’s purpose is to breathe His nature into humanity by means of the fruits of the Holy Spirit –love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. As long as I actively ‘grow’ these fruits in my thoughts, word and actions, I am accepting our Creator’s purpose for my life. Minute by minute, day by day, do I reject God’s purpose for my life or accept his master plan of mercy for his beloved sons and daughters? Lord God, help me accept your purpose for my life. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. (Psalm 71:17) Christ does not force our will. He takes only what we give him. St. Teresa of Avila 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
January 2021
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