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Matthew 2: 1-12
Adoration: Christ Jesus, I offer my gifts to you... Intercession: Holy Spirit, reveal to [me or N._____] the gifts [I have, he/she has] to offer God... What do I have to offer the Christ Child? Like the magi, who left their own kingdoms to travel a great distance to greet ‘the little Lord Jesus’ in a stable in Bethlehem, I can leave behind my own ‘kingdoms’ and offer gifts of self, soul and body to God. Instead of grasping it to myself, I can offer Christ my gold –all that I am and all that I have –to be used for his purposes in the redemption of humanity. Rather than fixating my strength on fulfilling my own needs and desires, I can instead offer Jesus the frankincense of my prayers of mercy for, and with, others and live them out in each thought, word and deed, as he did with his life. And instead of drowning in despair and self-pity, I can offer the myrrh of my sins, sorrows and sufferings to Christ Jesus for his work of salvation in the world. Christ Jesus, I offer my gifts to you. O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord ... (Adeste Fideles) The sun (the Son) shining brightly on everything ... calls us. He says, “Come, become human. Cease to be alone. Begin to love. Begin to get involved with others. Begin to love your neighbour.” Catherine Doherty, In the footprints of Loneliness www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli ad gloriam dei
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1 John 5:5-13 Holy Spirit, help me source fulfillment in life through Christ Jesus ... I am so tempted to find fulfilment in worldly things, no matter how partial or how temporary are the perks they promise. Family, career, creature comforts or even spiritual activities all hold hollow promise as destinations of happiness, because as they come and go in our lives elation and grief are their final end. But when I embrace the Epiphany of God made man, and the life and teachings of Christ as my source of fulfillment, then family, career, possessions and prayers all becomes means to the end of becoming better connected to God. Then, no matter who or what comes and goes, my life can be shaped and made abundant by our Creator God. Am I ready and willing to find fulfillment in my life primarily through Emmanuel, God with us? Holy Spirit, help me source fulfillment in life through Christ Jesus. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way... (Isaiah 35:8) Faith liberates. It liberates love and hope. If I am free to love and free to hope, what more do I want of life?Catherine Doherty www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca 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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