Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Psalm 25:4-10 This weekend we are celebrating the parting of the clouds of unknowing by the Light of the World, who disrupted the grip of the flesh and devil on the world by being born of the Virgin Mary in a cowshed in Bethlehem. The crowd of people in Bethlehem for the census could have witnessed this quiet but earth shaking event first hand, yet only the shepherds in the surrounding fields had the time and vision to hear the truth sung by the Angels, and to follow their lead to welcome the newborn Prince of Peace, the God of our salvation. Perhaps a handful of other people in Bethlehem at the time dropped by to greet Mary and Joseph, but did they realize just Who the baby was and the Saving Grace he was bringing to human kind? If I were in Bethlehem then, would I have been attuned to the Angels’ message and followed their lead to discover the Truth of Christmas night? This Christmas will I listen to the Truth sent from above to discover the God of my salvation and learn from Him? Christ Jesus, lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us.” (Luke 2:15) A Christmas Prayer for you and your Family: May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith; that rooted and grounded in love, you may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17 -21 Much Grace and Peace and Joy be to you and your family throughout this Christmas Season! Soli ad gloriam Dei Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook &www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca
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2 Peter 3:4-14www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+3%3A4-14&version=NIV From an early age we are taught to strive hard for what is important in life. Possessions, fame and success are the big three, but social justice (according to my way of thinking), institutional preservation (that serves my needs) and comfort and security (for me), are three more goals that consume human lives. But Jesus proposed a more excellent way that he passed on to his disciple and servant, Saint Peter, - the way of peace – with God, with others, and with ourselves. Striving to be ‘found at peace’ results in a particular kind of walk through life. That is a journey that Jesus modelled for us –a walk of holiness and Godly-ness in true humility born of repentance tempered by forgiveness and faithfulness. Will I waste my life striving for the things of this world, the flesh, and the devil? Or will I strive to be found at one with the Prince of Peace, Christ Jesus, our Lord, so that I recognize Him and He recognizes when he comes ‘to take us home’ ? Christ Jesus, help me walk in holiness and Godlly-ness, striving to be found at peace. As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness . (Psalm 17:15) If we wish to make any progress as servants of God, we must begin every day of our life with new eagerness. St. Charles Borromeo Soli ad gloriam Dei Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook &www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Matthew 4:18-22 Each one of us has been designed to be called by God into a walk and a ‘mission’ with Christ Jesus that brings glory and thanksgiving to God. It is interesting to note that of the 12 men who responded to the Come, follow me! Of Jesus to be number in his closest ban d of followers, that only Judas Iscariot did not ‘live into’ his calling. Judas gave into the lure of greed, pride and despair. But all eleven of the other Apostles remained true to the call of the Lord on their lives - by walking the talk of their own unique relationship with Jesus faithfully to the end of their lives (for ten of them, by martyrdom), they helped bring many souls into the company of heaven. It is recorded that St. Andrew, whose life and vocation are celebrated on November 30th, turned away from his family’s business and ‘the Boat” to follow Jesus. All other disciples and saints through the ages have similarly left significant elements of their lives behind in order to answer the call of Christ. Will I too unreservedly turn away from other ‘things’ to lean into the call of Christ on my life? Will I too follow his lead through all the mountains and valleys of my journey this side of heaven? Holy Spirit of God, help me live into your calling on my life. I will give you a new heart And place a new spirit within you, Taking from you your stony hearts And give you natural hearts . Ezekiel (36:25 ) The soul is in God and God is in the soul. God is closer to us than water is to a fish. St. Catherine of Sienna Soli ad gloriam Dei Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook &www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca |
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
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