Gospel Mystery of the Day      Thursday, October 31, 2019
                                                           
Good Morning!      
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
 
Romans 8:31-35

                                         
When sudden, overwhelming events assail me, it is easy to picture myself and my family plummeting into dark depths of chaos, or being caught up in a spidery web of trials and troubles. I have learned, however, through the many ‘dangers, toils and snares I have already come’ (John Henry Newton, v.4 “Amazing Grace”) that above and beyond, and beneath, and even through, the trials and traumas of this life, God’s love is there to enfold and comfort us, and to bring us ever deeper into his Light and Life. This is amazing love and deep love, a love that is greater far than tongue or pen can ever tell, that saints throughout the centuries have sung about.  Saint Paul concluded that ‘nothing can separate me from the love of God’ and that ‘we are more than conquerors through him who loved us’.  I conclude that everything – every experience, every circumstance, every life event, no matter how ‘good’ or how ‘bad’ it seems –has the potential to  propell us deeper into the love of God.  Today will I recognize the ways in which God’s love is being revealed to me? Christ Jesus, draw me into your love.
 
Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have had more than enough of contempt.   (Psalm 123:4)  
                                     
Truth sees God, and wisdom contemplates God, and from these two comes a third, a holy and wonderful delight in God, who is love.
― Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love
 
For a contemplative view of  God working all things together for good in nature, see the attached Power Point, An Autumn Walk.  To view first open Power Point on your PC , and then click on the Power Point attachment.
                         
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Romans 8:28-30
                                         
In this age of instant feedback, quick gratification and digital communications, it is easy to miss out on those things that unfold gradually – the coloring of the trees in autumn, the growth of a child, the fruition of a vision. God works all things together for good – if only I will ‘wait for it’ and take time to align my will with his.  The fall season of nature reminds me of this truth! Our children maturing into capable adults helps me put all the ills and worries of childhood to rest! And as I look back on all the good fruits of my lifetime, I count more than enough graces from the hand of God to prove that, indeed, all the trials and troubles our family has endured have worked together for good with God’s help and mercy.  Going forward, will I have the patience and the perception to see all things working for good to us who love God, as much as we respond to the call of his purpose? Holy Spirit, help me recognize all things working together for good.   
 
I will sing to the Lord because he has dealt bountifully with me.   (Psalm 13:9)  
                                     
Truth sees God, and wisdom contemplates God, and from these two comes a third, a holy and wonderful delight in God, who is love.
― Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love
 
                         
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
Soli ad gloriam Dei
 

 
Luke 13:18-20
                                         
So often I perceive the kingdom of God to be ‘up there’ or somewhere ‘out there’ in the clouds of unknowning. Jesus calls me, however, through two short metaphors to notice the kingdom of God here and now, in all of its potentiality, combined as it is with everything, everywhere, all the time. Like a mustard seed or like yeast, God’s kingdom may seem to be imperceptible, in such miniscule particles that it can be overlooked.  But at the same time, it remains so full of power that it can change and grow people and circumstances in ways far beyond our imagination.  Furthermore, Jesus teaches, the kingdom of God is combined in, and mixed through, all the measures of our lives. Like yeast in flour, although it appears to be inactive, over time when it is mixed with water (or ‘baptism’), it actively gives levity and substance to the ‘bread’ of our lives. Today will I realize the kingdom of God in everything, everywhere, all the time, and recognize its subtle action in my life? Christ Jesus, teach me to find the kingdom of God
 
The heavens declare the glory of the Lord.   (Psalm 119:1)  
                                     
Truth sees God, and wisdom contemplates God, and from these two comes a third, a holy and wonderful delight in God, who is love.
― Julian of Norwich, Revelations of Divine Love
 
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
Soli ad gloriam Dei

Ephesians 2:19-22
                                         
As family, as co-workers, as friends or as a faith group, we face challenges together as ‘community’ that can so easily break us apart. As much as we individually give in to selfish ambition, comforts, or personal agendas, a spirit of divisiveness and disconnection can persist, leaving  our ‘community’ in fragments. But as much as we align ourselves with Christ’s selfless idea of connection founded on merciful love and truth, we can together, in our community form a dwelling place on earth for the Holy Spirit of God, despite the social dysfunction around us. This means that I – that we – continue to focus on gratitude rather than complaints; on forgiveness rather than fault-finding; on compassion rather than being right; on holiness and purity rather than getting ahead in the world; on works of mercy rather than self-defence.  By focussing on building a dwelling for God in our midst, we can find the peace and joy of true koinonia  (Greek; communion or joint participation) and overcome the divisiveness that drags both individuals and communities into great darkness. Am I focused on building up the success of my family, my business, my friends or the church, or will I concentrate on building a dwelling for the Holy Spirit of God in our midst? Holy Spirit of Jesus, help us build a spiritual dwelling for you.      
 
Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By your love everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another. “ Jesus to his followers.  (John 13:34-35)
                                     
Every human activity can be put at the service of the divine and of love. We should all exercise our gift to build community.
― Jean Vanier, Community And Growth
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 
 

Psalm 119: 66-67 & 76-77
                                       
With all the complexities of life, good judgement is needed every minute of every day.  Unfortunately, the consequences of judging poorly can have-long lasting or even disastrous effects. Choosing to take Road #18 over #20, to go shopping instead of visiting, or to purchase this over that ,can be a frustrating exercise at least and a costly or even ‘sinful’ decision at worst, that can drag me into hell on earth if not for eternity.  How am I to find my own way through even one decision, let alone the hundreds of decisions I need to make in any given day? The Psalmist phrases an answer: “Let your steadfast love become my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.  Let your mercy come to me that I may live; for your law is my delight.” (Ps 119:76-77) .  When I don’t insist on my own way, but allow my heart, mind and soul to be guided simply by the love of God’s law- that is, God’s principles of life - then I can navigate my way through any number of choices and, no matter the errors or miscalculations I make, I remain enfolded in the all-encossing steadfast love of God, and can trust Him with the outcome, no matter how serious it seems.  Will I delight in the law of the Lord, that is the law of Love, and trust God’s good judgement? Holy Spirit of Jesus, teach me good judgement.  
 
“And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? “ Jesus to his followers.  (Luke 12:56)
                                     
It is love alone that gives worth to all things.
St. Theresa of Jesus
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
Soli ad gloriam Dei