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Mark 6:17-29
There are many ways I am decreasing: In body, as I age; In mind, as there are more and more ‘open files on the desktop’ of my mind; In my quest for esteem from the world, and the flesh; And in spirit as I become more aware of who Christ Jesus really is. Will I spend my time stressing over these decreasing capacities, or will I welcome this opportunity to allow God to increase his love and truth in my soul? Christ Jesus, increase within me, as I myself decrease. For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. (Psalm 71:5) Soli ad gloriam dei You have made us, Lord, for yourself, and our heart shall find no rest until it rests in you. Saint Augustine of Hippo 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Looking at the ‘saints’ of God down through the ages, it is clear that self-discipline and self-control are required for a life of true holiness and abundant in-filling of the Holy Spirit. Although society would have us think otherwise, fulfilling our passions, desires and hungers is not a health-full goal of life. Rather, living into holiness, that is whole-ness, and honouring the dignity of myself and of others as dwelling places of the Holy Spirit of God, brings life to body, mind, soul and spirit. Christ Jesus, help me control my own body in holiness and honour, that I might be connected well with You and all of creation, especially my ‘neighbours’. Light shines forth for the just and joy for the upright in heart. (Psalm 97:11) Soli ad gloriam dei You have made us, Lord, for yourself, and our heart shall find no rest until it rests in you. Saint Augustine of Hippo 1 Thessalonians 3:7-13& Psalm 90
Being a follower of Jesus, I never know when, like him, I will be faced with misunderstanding, indifference or verbal –or even physical –attack along life’s journey. Without a heart that finds its strength in holiness, that is in the faith, hope and love of God, I will respond in kind in such circumstances. I, too, can easily descend into the dregs of incomprehension, shutting out the presence of Christ Jesus in others, and contribute to the darkness of this world. But with a heart strengthened in holiness, I am able to follow Jesus in all places, at all times, under any circumstances, and spread the light of his kingdom here on earth. Christ Jesus, strengthen my heart in holiness. So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. (Psalm 90:12) Soli ad gloriam dei “To believe in love is everything.” Saint Peter Julian Eymard 1 Thessalonians 2:9-1&Psalm 139 & Matt 23: 27-32
Although the Lord forgives my ‘iniquities’, it is to his benefit –and mine –that I keep my conduct pure, blameless and upright. This does not require that, like the Pharisees, I appear to others to be ‘good’ –like a white-washed sepulchre as Jesus put it. Rather, it requires that from the heart I practice God’s holy love, for the Lord, for neighbour, and for myself as a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus, help me keep my conduct pure, blameless and upright. Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? (Psalm 139:7) 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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