Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Romans 4: 20-25
Observing hundreds of people coming and going all day at a public event, I realize that even in the barest surroundings the glory of God shines through. The uniqueness of each individual manifests the infinite variety in the image of God’s glory. The effectiveness of simple greetings, conversations, and even non-verbal messages bears witness to the infinite communications of the Creator with his beloved human beings. Hugs of recognition and the kindness of more able men and women helping the less mobile, less hearing, less seeing, show forth the glory of the mercy of God. In this melée of humanity, one catches glimpses of the face of God, and faith in the source of love and life and joy is strengthened. Where else in this world can I find glimpses of the glory of God? Lord God, strengthen my faith as I behold your glory. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us... too guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:78,79) We need no wings to go in search of God, but have only to look upon God present within us. St. Teresa of Jesus Soli gloriam dei .
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Romans 4: 13-18
As followers of Jesus, we are not called to a ‘pie in the sky’ airy-fairy kind of hope. Rather, Christian hope is substantiated by the same kind of faith that led Abraham, Moses, and the prophets of the Old Testament, and the Apostles, and saints of New Testament times. Furthermore, Christian hope is built on the love of God, demonstrated so clearly by the incarnation, ministry, passion, death on cross, and resurrection of Christ Jesus. This Paschal Mystery is fact, and is an expression of love that pierces science, the arts, the political arena, economic dynasties, social organizations and even time itself. Things accomplished by human effort, intellect and determination can bring hope as much as they point to the transcending fact of the love of God for us, his people. When things seem desperate, am I prepared to hope in hope by faith through the love of Christ Jesus? The Spirit of truth will bear witness to me, says the Lord, and you will also be my witnesses. (John 15:26,27) We need no wings to go in search of God, but have only to look upon God present within us. St. Teresa of Jesus Soli gloriam dei James 2:14-18 & Matthew 25, 31-40 The love and mercy of God is beyond my understanding. How am I to know how another man, woman or child needs healing, or understanding, or deliverance from the clutch of evil? Only by allowing Christ in his wisdom to reach out to the world through my voice, the touch of my hand, or the openness of my heart am I able to extend unconditional love and healing mercy to others that will truly address the wounds and chaos in their beings. Christ Jesus, flow your love and mercy through me to others. The Lord sets the prisoners free; The Lord opens the eyes of the blind and lifts up those who are bowed down. (Psalm 146:8) Be humble towards God and gentle with your neighbour. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Soli gloriam dei . Romans 1:16-25
Faith in God doesn’t make sense apart from the truth and love, that are the righteousness of God. Interestingly, when I perceive the world and my life through the lens of faith, I become more aware of the righteousness of God that has the effect of rightly ordering relationships and life-style choices. This in turn leads to the “blessedness”, the thanksgiving, and deep peace that result from living into the Beatitudes –and a deeper and more active faith in God which leads to a stronger lens of faith, and so on. Holy Spirit of God, reveal your righteousness to me by faith, for faith ... Blessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God. (Matthew 5:1) Be humble towards God and gentle with your neighbour. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Soli gloriam dei . Joel 1:13-2:2 & Luke 11:15-26
When the people of Jesus’ day judged that He was casting out demons by Beelzebul, they couldn’t have been further from the truth! Only the Creator can judge fairly and rightly. Not even I can rightly judge myself, whether or not I am fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. However, I am confident that Creator God loved me into being, and knows the whole truth and nothing but the truth about my thoughts, words and actions. His judgement of me cuts away the rotting, moulded and ‘infested’ parts of my being, making me, through Christ’s saving obedience on the cross, a new creation, ready, able and free to follow Jesus on the path of life. Lord God, judge me and guide me in your righteousness. I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12) Your way of acting should be different form the world’s way; the love of Christ must come before all else. St. Benedict 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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