Holy Spirit of God, help me remain alert and remember your message of grace...

 
Acts 20:28-38
 
For three years Paul had been based out of Jerusalem, preaching and teaching in the (new) Church, the message of God’s grace.  When Paul realized he was leaving everyone behind as he headed to Rome to face certain death, his parting advice to all the disciples of Jesus there was “Be alert! And remember.., the message of God’s grace.” Staying awake is the best antidote to being stupefied by acedia and all the deceits of the world, the flesh and the devil. Remembering all the wisdom, mercy and connection contained in the message of God’s grace is, still today, the one message that is able to build anyone up to meet the challenges of life’s journey.  When I am ready to leave ‘my’ people through a period of transition or even death, what will I say to them?  Will I encourage them to stay alert to opportunities for fame, fortune and success and to remember me with all of my spots and wrinkles, or will I, like Paul, counsel my loved ones to stay alert and remember the message of God’s grace?  Holy Spirit of God, help [me] remain alert and remember your message of grace.  
                                                                  
Father protect them from the evil one. Sanctify them in your truth. (John 17:18)
                                                                                                                
Let us claim the truth that we are loved and open our hearts to receive God’s overflowing love poured out for us. And living fully each day, let us share that love in all our wonderful and difficult relationships, responsibilities, and passages.
Henri Nouwen, Finding My Way Home       
 
www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca  & Gospel Mystery of the Day on Facebook
 
Soli ad gloriam Dei