Ephesians 6:10 - 20
 
Each of us has a full suit of armour hanging in our prayer closet –a full suit of light armour that allows us to battle the darkness that swirls around our families, our homes, and our communities.  It is up to you and to me to take time to don each piece of our armour of light whenever we are heading ‘out into the world’ to face the spiritual forces of evil that would swallow us all alive. First is the belt of truth to hold our ‘work and prayer wear’ close to our beings. Secondly we need to put on a light but tough vest of righteous thought, word and action to protect vital organs – ‘lungs’ to breathe in the breath of the Holy Spirit, and expel untruths, despair, and misery; a ‘digestive system’ to process the word of God as we ingest it; and a heart to love God and neighbour. Next we slip on shoes of peace to allow us to walk the ways of God quietly throughout humanity. Then it is time to take up the shield of faith, small or large as it may be, to put out the fiery arrows of temptation to sin.  Just before grabbing the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God printed in memory and on paper, we must put on our head protection – the made-to-measure and enduring helmet of salvation, that is the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus, a head covering that protects my mind and influences all the choices I will make. Is my armour of light hanging in my closet, or have I deliberately, through prayer, put on each piece of armour so that I am protected and prepared to stand against the deceits of the devil? Holy Spirit, help me put on my full armour of light.
                                                       
The Lord is steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge. (Psalm 144:2)
 
Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God.
St. Ignatius of Loyola
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei

Ephesians 4:32 – 5:8 & Luke 13:18-21

In the midst of the hubbub of a hospital waiting room one night, one woman caught my attention. Sitting in a wheel chair, her eyes and her bearing were steadying to anyone who noticed her. With more reason to be anxious and forceful than anyone of us with her in the room, she was calm and peaceful emanating love and care for both the staff, her attendant and everyone on whom her gaze fell. Like a mustard see in a field or a grain of yeast in a bowl of dough, her faith, hope and love spread out ripples of God’s love around her – love that is patient, kind, long-suffering, and full of peace and quiet joy. Just be-holding this woman opened up my own heart to the possibilities of God’s love transforming my own and the souls of others in the waiting room of life. Will I be a mustard seed, a grain of yeast, of faithful love and hope in my family, my workplace, my community today? Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me live in love.   
                                                       
Happy the one who reveres the Lord, who walks in his ways   (Psalm 128:3)
 
Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.
St. Mother Teresa
 
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Ephesians 4:32 – 5:8

When I live in love, I immerse myself so much in the love of God that God’s love alone in-forms my thoughts, my words, and my deeds. Whether I am alone or in the midst of my family, I think in love about the people who come and go through my mind; speaking by phone or camera, in person or by writing,  I speak in love, considering that my words have the power to push people away or draw them closer to God; Whether I am washing dishes or playing a symphony, creating a work of art or just doing my job, I do in love what I am doing, towards others, to the created world, and even to myself. Will I have the courage and the mindfulness to live in love today? Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me live in love.
                                                       
Happy are those who delight in the law of the Lord... they are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season.   (Psalm1:1-3)
 
Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.
St. Mother Teresa
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                      
 
 

Matthew 23:34-40

Jesus knew –and loved –the two great commandments of the law so well that love of God and of neighbour were integrated into every aspect of his life. He started each day, sometimes before dawn, with prayer, spending time with his Father, loving him with all of his human heart, mind, soul and strength. Once this connection of love was re-established with his Father in heaven, he was prepared to walk and work throughout the day with the rigorous and real love of God, rubbing shoulders with his disciples, proclaiming the Good News of God’s kingdom to the crowds, healing the sick, releasing captives  and ‘being in community’ with the world at large. Will I similarly soak in the love of God at the beginning of each day to be able to love like Jesus in conversations and circumstances that come my way?  Christ Jesus, help me to love like you.  
                                                       
I love you, O Lord, my strength.  (Psalm 18:1)
 
Let us throw ourselves into the ocean of God’s goodness where every failing will be cancelled and anxiety turned into love.
St. Paul of the Cross
 
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Ephesians 4:1-6

 
Jesus calls me to live worthy of his calling to be in his company, in his family. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the old saying goes. Similarly ‘just’ a minute of engaging in thoughts, words, or actions that are not worthy of my calling in Christ Jesus can translate into hours, days, and even sometimes years, of seeking forgiveness and making amends for sins that are not worthy of one who is part of Jesus’ family. What thoughts, words or actions will I employ today that are worthy of being identified with Christ? What thoughts will I turn away from, which words will I leave unsaid, what are the deeds that I will leave undone, simply because they are unworthy of a follower of Christ?  Christ Jesus, help me live worthy of your calling.
                                                       
Who shall ascend the mountain of the Lord?  And who shall stand in his holy place? Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false.   (Psalm 24: 3,4)
 
The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him
G.K. Chesterton    
 
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Soli ad gloriam Dei