Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Matthew 20:20-28 When the mother of Zebedee’s children over-stepped boundaries and asked Jesus for favours for her two sons, Jesus responded evenly out of truth born of prudent wisdom and mercy. The other 10 disciples on the other hand responded to the request with ‘normal’ and seemingly well-placed anger against their two colleagues. The incident could have become the source of an ongoing point of conflict between Jesus’ twelve chosen apostles. Instead, Jesus cut through his disciples’ self-righteous ire and boundary-crashing techniques. He took this opportunity to teach his disciples that service trumps righteousness, and humility will do away with anger, to allow hearts –and a new church – to grow around and despite the errors of others. In my life, what ‘righteous indignation’ needs to be displaced by humble service? Holy Spirit, help me engage not righteous indignation but humble service in my life. I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, to go and bear fruit that will last. (John 15) If we are to grow in love, the prisons of our egoism must be unlocked. This implies suffering, constant effort and repeated choices.” ― Jean Vanier, Community And Growth www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei
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Exodus 16:1-15 As the Master Designer of human beings, God’s instructions for our lives are not only to be trusted, but are essential directions to be followed for our well-being. The 40 year exodus of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised land, a journey of approximately 300 miles as the crow flies, was arguably a journey into godly faithfulness more than a physical journey from point A to point B. Similarly my life’s journey, with all of its twists, turns and challenges is more about coming to grips with God’s mercy by following his instructions, than it is about attaining lofty goals. Will I be faithful in following the instructions of God’s Holy Spirit at work in my life? Christ Jesus, help me align my will with your will that I might follow your instructions. The Lord is good to those who hope in him, to the soul that seeks him. (Lamentations 3:25) It is not sinners, but the wicked who should despair; it is not the magnitude of one’s crime, but contempt of God that dashes one’s hopes. St. Peter Damian www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Exodus 14: 1-31 Things went from frightful to terrifying for the Israelites leaving Egypt. Holding onto the thread of hope that Passover held out to them, they marched forward to the Red Sea and searched along its banks for a crossing place. Within two days Pharaoh’s elite force of 600 men and his full cohort of chariot drivers was in pursuit, and gaining fast on the gaggle of Israeli men, women and children who were camped for the night. In obedience to the Lord, Moses raised his arm over the Red Sea. It took all night, but by morning a dry crossing place was made ready by the hand of God. There was so much to be afraid of! The elderly and the children walked so slowly! Pharaoh’s army was gaining fast! The walls of water could come tumbling down, and etcetera. Like the Israelites, there are times in life when I too seem to be caught between the enemy and the deep Red Sea and full of fears. Like the Israelites, God calls out to me to not be afraid and to walk firmly forward, watching for the salvation he is bringing about. The Israelites made it safely through the Red Sea; Pharaoh’s armies were so badly trounced that they were never again a threat to God’s people. The Lord has brought me safe this far in life – can I trust him to continue to show his salvation to me? Holy Spirit, help me not fear, but stand firm and watch for the salvation of God. Blessed are they who hold fast to God’s word in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance. (Luke 8:15) It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability that counts. Corrie Ten Boom www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Luke 10: 38-42 Focussing on many things at one time is considered essential in this generation that coined the word ‘multi-tasking’. It is this scattered and ‘busy’ approach to life that so often leads me into complaining and disconnection from others and from God that Jesus chided Martha of Bethany for. At any given moment we are given the choice to be busy, like Martha, ‘with the many things’ demanded by a materialistic, highly organized and complex society, or to pay attention simply to the mercy of God playing out in our lives, as Mary did. Martha could have chosen to offer a simpler meal so that she, too, could have listened at the feet of Jesus. I, too, can choose to simply be concerned with God’s mercy in and through my life, rather than being consumed by all the fussy details of trying to survive the distractions of world, the flesh and the devil. Will I choose to be distracted and worried about many things, or will I move within the grace of God as he unfolds his mystery of mercy in each circumstance and each conversation of this day? Christ Jesus, help me focus, not on many things, but on your mercy. Blessed are they who hold fast to God’s word in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patient endurance. (Luke 8:15) There is a cacophony of voices calling out to you; there are a thousand influences pulling you this way and that. What’s the one necessary thing? It is to listen to the voice of Jesus as he tells you of his love and as he tells you who you are. Bishop Robert Barron, Daily Gospel Reflection, Sunday, July 21, 2019 www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Exodus 11:10 – 12, 14 & Matthew 12: 1-8 God demonstrated the physical and societal freedom that flows from his Mercy by opening the path for the Israelites to leave their oppressive circumstances in Egypt at the first Passover, and find refuge in the Promised Land. Similarly, by snacking on ripe kernels of grain from wheat stalks one Sabbath day, Jesus demonstrated the spiritual freedom of God’s Mercy that leads to living beyond judgement and the letter of the law. Far from binding me in paralyzing and demeaning chains of obedience and servitude, the Mercy God demonstrated through the saga of the Israelites and the ministry and passion of Christ Jesus, sets me free - free to enjoy the “goods” and joys (like sun-warmed wheat grains) of life on earth and in eternity. Am I ready to enjoy the countless mercies of God? Christ Jesus, teach me the freedom of God’s mercy. What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. (Psalm 116:12,13) “’Proclaim that mercy is the greatest attribute of God. All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.’” Saint Faustina, The Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska, #301 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
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