Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Romans 12:5-16 It is easy to rejoice in things seen, even though they can be short lived – the beauty of flowers, successes at work, an encounter with a long-time friend, etcetera. It is more difficult to rejoice in the theological virtues of faith, hope and love, even though I know that they are long-lasting. In those cold, grey November days of life, when flowers don’t bloom, work may seem dreary and friends seem to be few and certainly far between, it is easy to believe the lie that this is the end of things; that faith, hope and love are but blooms that are ultimately frost-bitten and die. But St. Paul at the behest of Jesus himself calls his readers to rejoice in a living hope. As I study the principles of God’s creation so evident in the seasons of nature, and look for avenues of hope in every circumstance and event of my life’s journey, I find long-standing promises of God that, far from being short-lived, are eternal reminders that there is always room for hope: that the full and warm light of God’s mercy is near at hand, and that the Good News of new life hidden in and through the Holy Spirit of Jesus is but a prayer-breath away. And then I can rejoice, every day, in so many ways. Will I study the promises of God’s mercy and presence so that I can continually practice joy? Holy Spirit of Jesus, help me rejoice in hope. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother. (Psalm 131:2 ) The greatest honor we can give Almighty God is to live gladly because of the knowledge of his love. ― Julian of Norwich www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook Soli ad gloriam Dei
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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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