James 3:13-18

 
I have recently accomplished seven decades of this journey called life. And I feel as though I am only now experienced and humble enough –and  wise enough –to begin to truly live into the ‘order’ the ‘good of every kind’ that James speaks of in his famous counsel regarding wisdom. Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle and friendly, full of compassion, and full of good deeds free from prejudice and hypocrisy, and produced from the seeds that peacemakers plant in peace…”  Looking back on my life’s journey, I realize that all the newsy conversations, either aural or in print; all expressions of anger or the flagrant exercise of ‘loose lips’;  all my criticisms and judgments of others either casually expressed or spoken with great consternation; all the possessions I have so carefully accrued ,  at best have been somewhat helpful, and at worst are only embarrassing heaps of foolishness that bred little good, and have perhaps even blocked the view of the many good and fruitful things that I have been able to with the time, talents and treasures I have been given. Indeed, as James points out, my subscription to the wisdom of this world – with its prominence, possessions, and alleged powers - has led me away from God’s great goods! As I contemplate my time here on earth going forward, I am committed not to wisdom as defined by this world, but to have and to keep,  ‘the wisdom from above’ that was the mark of James, and the truly wise elders of ages past.  Will I deliberately receive from the Holy Spirit of God, the wisdom from above?
 
When you send forth your spirit your creatures are created; and you renew the face of the earth. (Psalm 104)
 
Light most blessed, shine with grace,
In our heart’s most secret place,
Fill your faithful through and through.
Gospel Sequence for Pentecost, v. 5
 
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca
 
 
 
 

 
Galatians 5:16-25

 
What is different when I live by the Holy Spirit of God?  Left to my own devices, I live by making choices first and foremost for my own comfort, security, empowerment, well-being and pleasures.  These are choices designed to shape my own fate and extend my earthly existence. While each of these motives is a useful attitude this side of the grass, they are not, as St. Paul reminds us, the be-all and the end-all of God’s ultimate design for his beloved human beings.  Rather, as sons and daughters of God, we are ultimately designed to be like our father in heaven, as Jesus was.  That is, we are not to live for  and be guided by what  we want but by what is the will of God, what God wants; what God has designed for our good and the good of all creation at any given moment. We are designed to think, say and act the fruits of the Holy Spirit into being –love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Will I choose to be fate-full or fruit-full with my life?  Christ Jesus, help me live by, and be guided by, your Holy Spirit .
 
When you send forth your spirit your creatures are created; and you renew the face of the earth. (Psalm 104)
 
Light most blessed, shine with grace,
In our heart’s most secret place,
Fill your faithful through and through.
Gospel Sequence for Pentecost, v. 5
 
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca
 
 
 
 
 

 
John 14:27-31a

 
The disciples and Jesus were in Jerusalem for Passover. Jesus knew ‘his hour was coming’ when he would be captured, tortured and probably crucified. In those few hours before his arrest it was down to the wire and Jesus told his disciples – that is, us –what  theymost needed to hear. Two key truths stand out: “Those who have the commandments (the operating system) of Jesus, and Keep them are those who love me will be loved by my Father”.  And “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” There is a knock at the door at 2:30 am on my 70th birthday. The police officer gives me the news of the night and dumps the carcass of my hopes at my door.  I click on the operating system, newly defragmented by prayer (I was already up reading scripture for the day when the knock came) and instead of panicking and giving into desolate anger, I choose to turn to Christ Jesus and drink deeply of his Peace. It is extra-ordinary and super-natural!  I have nothing to fear! I can have joy that I do not need to figure this new reality out! And proceed into my birth-day watching for the signs of Grace, that Jesus is at my shoulder, and that our loving Father is marking this, and every new day, with tender nudges and winks when my gaze connects with His.  Will I continue to choose peace over fear? Risen Christ, help me receive your extraordinary peace.
 
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes. .. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-8& 11)  
 
“It is not my ability,
but my response to God’s ability that counts.”
Corrie Ten Boom
 
A Blessed, Holy,  and Happy Easter season to you and your family.
May we align our hearts with the Love and Peace of God,
as Jesus did!   Alleluia!  Alleluia!
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca
 
 
 
 

 
John 14:21-26

 
What does it mean to have the commandments of Jesus?  I find it useful to substitute the synonym ‘life principles’ or even ‘operating system’ for the word commandments.  Each of us has a foundation of principles and algorithms by which we live, formed by the various elements of all that we have heard and seen, learned, and taken into ourselves as we have experienced life. If my life is full of principles of self-centredness, self preservation, and self-righteousness, then I will find it difficult to inculcate Jesus’ algorithms of forgiveness, love, faithfulness and humility into my words and actions.  On the other hand when I align my heart, mind, soul and strength with the life principles so carefully explained by the words of Christ Jesus during his ministry and in scripture, then I am able to not only have but also keep his commandments because they are already intrinsically part of me.  Will I focus on living a good life, according to my own ideas and ideals?  Or will I study and consume, and be in-formed by the Mercy and Grace proclaimed by Christ Jesus so that I have his commandments within me – and then keep them as the most treasured inner core and design of my being? Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me have your commandments, and keep them.
 
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are rught rejoicing the hear; the commandement of the the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes. .. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-8& 11)  
 
“It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability that counts.”
Corrie Ten Boom
 
A Blessed, Holy and Happy Easter season to you and your family.
May we evermore align our hearts with the will of God,
as Jesus did!   
Alleluia!  Alleluia!
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca