1 Peter 5:1-4
 When I perceive that my role in life is to be the boss of others, I take the weight of the world on my shoulders. Then I will need to investigate, judge and corrects others’ actions. Jesus gave us a different kind of role model, that of a shepherd. When I approach my family, my community or my work as a ‘shepherd’ I am able to follow Jesus’ lead more easily. As a shepherd(ess) I take time to befriend and journey with the men, women and children in my life. I patiently bring others along with me as I find the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  And I comfort and defend others in their fears and sorrows. Am I choosing to control or to shepherd the people I meet along the way today? Christ Jesus, help me not boss but shepherd others.

I will fear no evil for you are with me.(Psalm 23:4)

“I firmly believe that ‘shepherding’ is one of the most beautiful realities of our world.  It brings us closest to God because God is the good Shepherd. But, paradoxically, you can only be a shepherd if you are a lamb. You can only really be a father if you are a son.  You can only be a mother if you are a daughter.”
Jean Vanier.  Images of Love, Words of Hope.
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei.

Genesis 11:1-9

Ever since Adam and Eve chose ‘upward mobility’, by eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the default of human nature is to climb the ladder of success. Perched up in my own tower of fame and fortune, I can securely survey and control all that I call my own. Only when I look to God and realize my true identity do I realize that I am actually trapped within my tower of power. Just as the Lord brought humanity down from the tower of Babel to be scattered (like the sower’s seed) abroad on the face of the earth, so Christ taught meekness and ‘downward mobility’ to release us from the bondage of humanly assumed power and control. Am I ready to allow the Holy Spirit of God to release me from my own dizzying heights? Can I follow Jesus downward from prideful security into the arms of the world to find salvation in the humility of mercy, both received and given? Lord God, bring me down from my tower of power.    

For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? (Mark 8:36)
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The way of Jesus is radically different. It is the way not of upward mobility but of downward mobility. It is going to the bottom, staying behind the sets, and choosing the last place! Why is the way of Jesus worth choosing? Because it is the way to the Kingdom, the way Jesus took, and the way that brings everlasting life.
Henri Nouwen, The SelflessWay of Christ
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei

Genesis 9:1-13

In Noah’s time, to be fruitful and multiply  implied spreading humanity, along with flora and fauna, across the face of the earth. This was the beginning of the original covenant God made with humankind.  But when Jesus came, a new covenant was forged. Fruitfulness  took on a whole new meaning with the Passion and the Resurrection of Christ Jesus. Although there is no indication that he had children, Jesus’ whole life was fruitful. Witness the miracles, healings and teachings of his life on earth that are still relevant and life-giving for us today. With Jesus the fruitfulness of human life was redefined and the fruits of the Holy Spirit became the choice products of human life: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. How fruitful is my life? Am I multiplying the grace –and holiness- of the Spirit of God by my thoughts, words and actions? Holy Spirit, help me be fruitful and multiply
With the Lord there is mercy; in him is plentiful redemption.(Psalm 119)
 
“I firmly believe that ‘shepherding’ is one of the most beautiful realities of our world.  It brings us closest to God because God is the good Shepherd. But, paradoxically, you can only be a shepherd if you are a lamb. You can only really be a father if you are a son.  You can only be a mother if you are a daughter.”
Jean Vanier.  Images of Love, Words of Hope.
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei.

Psalm 119:1-8

I keep God’s commandments by thinking within the Name of Jesus, by speaking words born of wisdom and love, as Jesus did, and by putting into action the blessedness and mercy that Christ Jesus demonstrated in his Passion and Resurrection.  When I can’t see the way clearly, Lord, help my ways to be steadfast in keeping your commandments.  When I am distressed and it seems revenge is the only option, help my ways be steadfast in keeping your commandments.  When the path in front of me seems too steep or rough, help my ways be steadfast in keeping your commandments.  No matter the circumstances of my journey, Lord, help my ways be steadfast in keeping your commandments.    
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With the Lord there is mercy; in him is plentiful redemption.(Psalm 119)
 
When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.
St. Teresa of Avila
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei.

Genesis 2:4-17 & Psalm 104

It is no secret that humankind has ‘messed up’ the face of the earth.  The discovery and sophistication of energy from fossil and nuclear fuels have polluted our atmosphere. Massive heavy industry and resource development have destroyed great proportions of land and water. And human greed and power struggles have killed, in soul if not in body, billions of human beings, the pinnacle of God’s creation. As a result of all of this destruction, is the future of this world all doom and gloom? Not at all! The cycles and rhythms of the natural world, marked as they are by the birth, death and rebirth, point to the renewal principle of God’s creation. As much as the love and truth unleashed by God’s Holy Spirit intervenes in natural or human history, so all things can be healed, and be made new again.  Lord, send forth your Spirit and renew the face of the earth. 
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When you send forth your spirit, all living creatures are created; and you renew the face of the earth.  (Psalm 104:30)
 
Define your times. Treasure your calling. Pray without ceasing. The terrors of the age are less than the grandeur of the Christ within you.
Calvin Miller
                                                                                                                
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  
Soli gloriam dei