Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Revelation 3:1-22 I have received so much grace in my life! The question is, have I lived as a graced, beloved child of God. It is so easy to fall into acedia which is “The temptation to make nonsense out of the moral life...and nihilism... the dislocation of the human person from the universe of being.” [1] The Lord in speaking to the churches in the book of Revelation pinpoints decay, or acedia, in many people who identified as followers of Jesus. Some had a name for being alive but were dead. Some had a tepid faith that was neither hot nor cold. Some claimed that they were rich, had prospered and needed nothing, but were in reality wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. And some were worthy, who had ‘not soiled their clothes’. Have I fallen into the trap of acedia, or am I a worthy follower of Christ Jesus? Holy Spirit, help me wake up and strengthen what remains and is on the point of death. O Lord, who may abide in your tent? ... Those who walk blamelessly. (Psalm 15:1) Man’s freedom is his capacity to accomplish good acts easily, joyously, and lastingly. This freedom is defined by the attraction of the good [for humankind]. Jean-Charles Nault, The Noonday Devil: Acedia, the Unnamed Evil of Our Times [1] Jean-Charles Nault, O.S.B, The Noonday Devil: Acedia the Unnamed Evil of Our Times, Ignatius Press, 2015, P.108 -109 www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei
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Mark 13:24-32 The signs of God’s kingdom among us here on earth are myriad! Wherever true beauty, real joy, authentic mercy, and pure peace are present and at work, there the Holy Spirit of God is transforming the fallen nature of human kind. These signs were present throughout Jesus’ life here on earth, in the true beauty of a life fully aligned with God’s Holy Spirit, in the real joy of people who were healed by Jesus in body, mind and spirit, in the authentic mercy of Christ’s death on a cross, and in the pure peace of an empty tomb. Such signs of beauty, joy, mercy and peace resonate throughout our world even today, if we will only recognize them. Am I focussing on the darkness of the world, the flesh and the devil, or on the light and the life of the kingdom of Christ Jesus? Father God, help me notice and welcome your kingdom present among us. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16) Truth sees God, and wisdom contemplates God, and from these two comes a third, a holy and wonderful delight in God, who is love. ― Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Luke 18:1-9 Thousands of saints down through the ages can’t be wrong: praying ‘without ceasing’ as St. Paul counselled Timothy, is the definitive action of a resilient and fruitful faith journey. In talking to his disciples about the coming dissolution of humanity, Jesus pointed to the need for persistent prayer. Knowing how easily we, in our haste to get things done, give up and that the temptation to become dis-heartened is always present, Jesus even tells a parable to remind his followers to never give up praying. Very soon after this lesson, the disciples witnessed their Master praying his way through the Passion and Crucifixion, and into the marvellous light of his Resurrection, and so showing the critical place of persevering prayer. Am I praying past my own discouragements? Holy Spirit, help me pray and not be discouraged. Our steps are made firm by the Lord when he delights in our way. (Psalm 37) Prayer is the deliberate and persevering action of the soul. It is true and enduring, and full of grace. Prayer fastens the soul to God and makes it one with God's will. Julian of Norwich See https://www.azquotes.com/author/17697-Julian_of_Norwich/tag/prayer www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Luke 17: 20-37 I am so often tempted to ‘set off in pursuit’ –of happiness, success, possessions, fame, love and acceptance – and of the kingdom of God in general. It seems that I will listen to, and run after, any human counsel or trend, including advice on where to find God; but this is not what Christ taught his disciples. Jesus told his men very emphatically that “In fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” He said, “They will say to you, ‘look there!’ or ‘Look here!’ Do not go, do not set off in pursuit.” When I listen to Jesus, I can be still beside him, and watch for the kingdom of God present among us all, with all of its inherent love, joy, peace and liveliness, if we will but recognize it. Am I prepared no matter what else is going on to be still, and look for, and embrace, the kingdom of God ever near and ever present? Holy Spirit, help me stay still and recognize the kingdom of God among us. Our steps are made firm by the Lord when he delights in our way. (Psalm 37) At every moment of our life we have an opportunity to choose joy.. Henri Nouwen www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei Titus 3:1-6 In society today, it is no easy task to recognize opportunities to show courtesy, let alone to carry out courteous acts of kindness consistently, to everyone, at all times and in all places. Holding a door open, letting another driver go first, and saying thank you are all standard courteous acts, but there are many other manifestations of a courteous spirit as well. Politely inquiring about an error on a receipt, purchasing and using only what I need, or taking time to engage in conversation with someone along life’s busy path and etcetera, all spring from hearts that are aligned with our loving and merciful God. Even when I don’t ‘feel like it’, when I mindfully show every courtesy and kindness to everyone, not only do I become an agent of transformation in my community, but my own heart is also repaired. In what ways will I be called to be courteous to everyone today? Holy Spirit, help me show every courtesy to everyone. Our steps are made firm by the Lord when he delights in our way. (Psalm 37) No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Aesop There’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act of kindness creates a ripple with no logical end. Scott Adams 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
March 2024
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