Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Mark 10:2-16 Working out the snarls in a ball of yarn recently, I realized that I was untangling the knots of my own life, as much as I was straightening out the wool. As much as I pulled on one end or the other of a knot, it tightend; whereas as much as I gently loosened the curves and convolutions of the line, the knots gradually pulled apart under the guidance of patient fingers. Jesus was speaking of this principle I think when he chided James and John for vying for the best seats in heaven. In trying to manipulate their own destinies, the ‘Sons of Thunder’ not only tried to pull a power play, but they also created a knot of contention between them and the other disciples. With practiced and gentle fingers of mercy, Jesus deftly opened up these kinks of character by pointing out that to become the greatest of all one must become a servant of all. Will I tighten the knots in my life by standing up for myself , insisting on my own way or devising way to manipulate the circumstances of my life? Or Will I allow the Holy Spirit’s fingers of mercy to gently pull apart my constructs of power and control and guide me to have a servant’s heart? Christ Jesus, help me not pull for power but be mindful of mercy. The word of the Lord is upright and all his work is done in faithfulness. (Psalm 33:1) Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing you have received – only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage. Saint Francis of Assisi Soli ad gloriam Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca
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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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