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Isaiah 49:8-15 There is only so much that can fill my mind. When my thoughts are consumed with worries, resentments or passions, memories of God’s love can be pushed to the margins of awareness or be forgotten altogether. But as much as I behold God’s mercy saving me from the pits of sin and despair, then my mind is filled with the truth of love, and love for truth, which is the constant flow of divine mercy into human kind and all of creation. What am I filling my mind with today, misery or mercy? Father God, help me be mindful of your saving love. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. (Psalm 145:1) Your love and your mercy are all I need; I ask for nothing more. Ignatius of Loyola, Suscipe www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
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Exodus 32:7-14 Whatever fills our minds becomes the object of our worship. There is nothing more powerful than the act of creation. And so, when I use my own God-given powers to set up a business, fashion an art-form, or ‘make’ anything else, it is easy to become inebriated by the joy and the power even the smallest act of creation gives me. But it is God alone who is worthy of worship. No work of my hands, or of any other man, woman or child is pure and eternal enough to fulfill deep human longings. What or whom is my mind full of, do I worship? Help me worship you rather than human creations. Let hearts that seek the Lord rejoice; turn to the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face. (Psalm 104) You have made us for Yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You. St. Augustine of Hippo www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Ephesians 5:8-14 As a child of light, works of darkness do not fit within me. The light of Christ casts out resentments and revenge, puts to flight ego-centric choices, and flavours my life with humility rather than pride and success. Darkness and despair might tackle me and try to suck the life from me, but I always have a choice to live as a monster of darkness, or a child of light. Today will I walk as a child of darkness, or of light? Holy Spirit of God, help me walk as a child of light. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil for you are with me. (Psalm 40:10) Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self. St. Francis of Assisi www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Hebrews 10:4-10
The victory of Jesus’ Light and Life over darkness and death is the only deliverance that is sure. His Good News of God’s mercy can triumph over all adversities, if not in body, then always and definitely ‘in spirit and in truth’. This is indeed good news as I grapple with personal traumas and troubles, and as we all collectively bring grace to the difficulties of today’s society. Do I choose to receive the deliverance of Jesus? Have I received so much of Christ’s redemption that it spills over in the telling? Holy Spirit of God, help me tell the good news of the deliverance won for us by Christ Jesus. I have not hidden your saving help within my heart, I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation. (Psalm 40:10) Prayer is where burdens change shoulders. Anonymous saying seen on a church sign. www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Romans 4:13-22 From Abraham onwards, holy men and women have more or less invested their lives in their trust in God. Scripture is full of promises the writers of the Bible have tested and found true. And at the root of all of these promises is the covenant between God and humankind: To those who love God and follow his commands they will be assured of God’s unfailing love and mercy, and life eternal. How many aspects of God’s promises have I made my own? Today, how will my faith in God be deepened? Lord strengthen my faith that I might know your promises. Your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens… (Psalm 89: 2) “The man of the true religious tradition understands two things: liberty and obedience. The first means knowing what you really want. The second means knowing what you really trust.” - G.K.Chesterton www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca 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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