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I Thessalonians 3:7-13 No matter what challenges I face, or what chaos is whirling around me, if my heart is strengthened in love and holiness, I have all I need to follow Jesus’ footsteps through the storms of life. Love opens my hearts to God’s design for my life and the role of mercy in each and every relationship. An obedience to holiness, that is whole-ness, and all the humility that it entails, allows me to rest in the understanding that God is continually working things out for good – for me, for others and for the world at large – as much as we [I] have faith in his truth and love. Today how will I allow my heart to be strengthened in love and holiness? Christ Jesus, strengthen my heart in love and holiness. Teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. (Psalm 90:12) There is something in humility that strangely exalts the heart. Saint Augustine www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei.
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Ruth 1:1-22 As human beings designed in the image of God, we are made to be connected, with God, with the earth, with those close to us, and with the world at large. But what of those who have been disconnected –those who have been orphaned, widowed or shunned or forgotten by society? Very often those who are alone suffer in poverty and can easily fall into despair or an early death. Ruth, a young widow herself, stands as a paragon of faithfulness to those who are alone. Although it meant leaving her own culture and homeland, Ruth stayed with her widowed mother in law as she made a difficult journey back to her home land. “Where you go, I will go,” Ruth promised her. Am I similarly committed to ‘stay with’ those who are alone in the world? Christ Jesus, help me be faithful to those who are alone. You give enough and satisfy the needs of all. (Psalm 145:16) Each one of them is Jesus in disguise. Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Judges 11:29-40
The only certainty of life is its uncertainty. Crises of health, home and heart can come at anytime, in any season of life. What is my response to these ‘trauma’s’ to be? Jephthah’s daughter, who became suddenly aware that she was to die shows us how to ‘do crisis’. Instead of pleading with her father for her life or descending into despair, she requested time to be left alone, to go and wander in the mountains with her friends, to grieve her impending death. This time of reflection helped her to become reconciled and at peace with the end of her earthly existence and allowed her to align herself with God’s perspective of life. When I am in crisis, what will I do? God, have mercy on me, a sinner. You give enough and satisfy the needs of all. (Psalm 145:16) The reason angels can fly is because they take themselves lightly. G.K. Chesterton www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Isaiah 56: 1-7 So many injustices exist in the systems and situations of our society. It is often tempting to become caught up in making my point or clearing my name or obtaining what is my due. But fundamental to true reconciliation is first being reconciled to God so that I can live into the dignity of being his beloved [daughter] and align myself with his perspective and his ways of mercy. Then I am ready to open up dialogue with others whom I perceive to have wronged me, and become reconciled with them. Jesus taught us to ‘seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, then all these things shall be added unto you.’ When I seek constant reconciliation with God, then I am able to be reconciled with the systems and situations around me. With whom am I seeking to be reconciled – with the pundits and projects of this world, or with God? Holy Spirit, help me be primarily reconciled with God. May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known upon earth, our saving power among all nations. (Psalm 67:1-2) As we pour out our bitterness, God pours in his peace. F.B. Meyer www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Soli gloriam dei. Judges 2:11-19 Worship, giving honour or worth to a deity, by definition engages a great deal of focus, time and energy. Today no one worships it is not common to worship Baal (the Canaanite God of fertility) as did the Israelites when disobeying the Lord. However the idols of our generation – pop stars, technology, sexuality and so on –are no less mesmerising, and disobedient. Because there are so many idols to choose from and the godlessness of our generation is so pervasive, it is just as easy for us –for me – as for the Israelites to fall into the ways of the world and forget the living God. Jesus told us that it is by prayer and fasting that we can find the will to keep focused on God and to submit our time and energy to the Holy One. What idols do I pay attention to? How am I going to steer clear of them? Holy Spirit, help me to steer clear of idols. They served their idols which became a snare to them... Many times the Lord delivered them but they were rebellious in their purposes. Nevertheless he regarded their distress when he heard their cry. (Psalm 106:36, 43, 44) To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it. ― 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
November 2023
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