Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Acts 11:19-26 & John 10: 22-30
Faithfulness is not only peaceful, but it is beautiful. God calls me as a human being to remain faithful to him, in all that I think, say and do, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, in the short term and for all of eternity. Am I ‘steadfastly devoted’ to the Lord? Do I look for the footsteps of Jesus before I follow any given path? Do I remain faithful to the love of God for me and for all of humankind? Holy Spirit, help me remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion. Bless our God who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip. (Psalm 66) Soli ad gloriam dei
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John 10:1-10
Christ Jesus, I look to you for guidance and protection … Guidance doesn’t ultimately come from research, courses and self-help books, but rather from Christ Jesus who patiently reveals to me the truly human paths of truth, compassion and peace. Similarly, true protection is to be found, not in insurance plans, steady bank accounts and security features; protection of soul, mind and body come from being aligned in thought, word and deed with the designer and creator of life in all its forms and expressions. Christ Jesus, I look to you for guidance and protection. Bless our God who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip. (Psalm 66) Soli ad gloriam dei Acts 8:26-40 & John 6:44-61
Jesus stated, “Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.” How can I hear and learn from God? A post-resurrection story from the book of Acts points the way. A devout Jew, an Ethiopian official, took time to read (to be engaged with) scripture aloud. He then inquired of Philip, a minister of the Gospel who ‘just happened’ by, the meaning of the readings (comprehension), and invited Philip to get into his carriage and sit beside him for further discussion (community). Finally he chose to seal his change of heart (conversion). Like the Ethiopian travelling back home, let me in my life’s journey hear and learn the Truth and Love the Holy Spirit of God has for me. Holy Spirit of God, help me to hear you and learn … Bless our God who has kept us among the living, and has not let our feet slip. (Psalm 66) Soli ad gloriam dei Acts 7, 51- 8:1 & John 6, 30 -35
Holy Spirit, renew the breath of my belief in Christ Jesus … If I believe in an idea, I am quick to discuss it with any and every one, read up on it, and devote time and energy to its cause – and yet, my belief in Christ is weak at best. If I, like St. Stephen or the present Syrian Christians were challenged by the religious bullies of the day, would my belief be strong enough to remain faithful even to death? As with all other living and breathing elements of creation, belief in Christ Jesus can become dis-eased and can even die. Like any relationship, belief needs nurture, exercise, and, perhaps most of all, a vision of all it can be. Holy Spirit, renew the breath of my belief in Christ Jesus. Come and see what the Lord has done! (Psalm 66) Soli ad gloriam dei Acts 7, 51- 8:1 & John 6, 30 -35
Like the “stiff-necked people uncircumcised (unopened) in heart and ears” Stephen spoke to in his day, I oppose the Holy Spirit working within and around me when I choose darkness over light, bitterness over forgiveness and despair over joy. I affirm the Holy Spirit with my life when, like St. Stephen, I enhance the liveliness of truth, compassion and eternal life. Then perhaps, like Stephen facing those stoning him to death, I too will be recognizably ‘filled with the Holy Spirit’ and bear witness to this Christ-centred vision of reality. Christ Jesus, help me not oppose but affirm your Holy Spirit with my being. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me. (Psalm 31) 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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