February 25th, 2023

Gospel Mystery of the Day              Saturday, February 25, 2023
 
Good Morning!      
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
 
Luke 9:22-25
Holy Spirit of Jesus, teach me how to deny myself, take up my cross and follow you…
 
I have been tending a young jade plant since the summer. It was growing beautifully until it was overwatered; the roots rotted, and the leaves withered and fell off one by one. As soon as I ‘overwater’ myself with comforts, happiness and seeking ‘wholeness’ on my own terms, my soul, like an over-watered jade plant, begins to suffer from root-rot, sicken and die.  But when I expend little energy gathering everything to myself  for my own good, and use time, talents, and treasure to pray, to fast, and to live live out God’s Mercy, then my whole being - heart, mind, soul and strength - can grow into its full potential. Then my roots of faith, hope, and love do not rot, and the leaves of my life do not whither and fall away. Will I live lightly on this earth, depending very little on worldly goods and ways, learning how to deny the desires of senses, and spending my time, treasure and talents taking up my cross made up of the people and purposes God has placed in my life? Will I follow Christ Jesus in the holy ways of the Lord of Life? Holy Spirit of Jesus, teach me to deny myself, take up my cross and follow You…
 
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may be faithful in your sight; Give me an undivided heart to revere your name. (Psalm 86:11)
 
Freedom is not the ability to do anything we want, whenever we want. Rather, FREEDOM is the ability to live responsibly the truth of our relationship with God and with one another.
Saint Pope John Paul II
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei
Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca