|
I do not see much difference between avowing that there is no God, and implying that nothing definite can for certain be known about Him.
- John Henry Newman
(Feast of the Annunciation today. Mary's "yes" to God brought forth Jesus, who has revealed something "definite" about God. Give thanks this day for the gift of Jesus.)
|
|
|
|
April 8, 2019: 6:30-8:00 p.m. CDT
Free-will donation
Why did Jesus of Nazareth die on the cross?
This web video presentation will explore different ways the Christian community has understood the theological and spiritual meaning of the crucifixion of Jesus. We will review popular explanations like substitutionary atonement, the New Adam, and others that we find in the New Testament and in teachings through the centuries.
Registration, Information
|
|
|
|
IS 7:10-14; 8:10; PS 40:7-8A, 8B-9, 10, 11; HEB 10:4-10
LK 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent from God
to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph,
of the house of David,
and the virgin's name was Mary.
And coming to her, he said,
"Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you."
But she was greatly troubled at what was said
and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
Then the angel said to her,
"Do not be afraid, Mary,
for you have found favor with God.
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son,
and you shall name him Jesus.
He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High,
and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever,
and of his Kingdom there will be no end."
But Mary said to the angel,
"How can this be,
since I have no relations with a man?"
And the angel said to her in reply,
"The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Therefore the child to be born
will be called holy, the Son of God.
And behold, Elizabeth, your relative,
has also conceived a son in her old age,
and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
for nothing will be impossible for God."
Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.
May it be done to me according to your word."
Then the angel departed from her.
USCCB Lectionary
|
|
|
|
Praying the Daily Gospels: A Guide to Meditation, by Philip St. Romain, 2018 (3rd ed.)
____________
Luke 6: 36-38: Do not judge
Mary believed God's promises even when they seemed impossible. She was full of grace because she trusted that what God said was true and would be fulfilled. She was willing and eager to do God's will, even if it seemed difficult or costly. Mary is the "mother of God" because God becomes incarnate when he takes on flesh in her womb. When we pray the ancient creed (Nicene Creed) we state our confession of faith in this great mystery: "For us men and for our
salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit, he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and was made man."
God gives us grace and he expects us to respond with the same willingness, obedience, and heartfelt trust as Mary did. When God commands he also gives the help, strength, and means to respond. We can either yield to his grace or resist and go our own way. Do you believe in God's promises and do you yield to his grace?
"Heavenly Father, you offer us abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness through your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to live a grace-filled life as Mary did by believing in your promises and by giving you my unqualified 'yes' to your will and plan for my life."
from dailyscripture.net
Paperback, Kindle and eBook
|
|
|
|
|
God and
I: Exploring the Connections between God, Self and Ego, by Philip St. Romain, 2016 (2nd ed.)
____________
Chapter 9: Spiritual Transformation -- God, Self and Ego
5. We Strive to "Be All We Can Be"
Individuation is a life-long journey. It does not cease to unfold as we get older and Ego defenses begin to weaken, nor does it come to an end with the Spirit-centered Ego. An Ego freed from attachment to self-image and rooted in the Self-God zone of consciousness still has needs to fill, potentiality to explore, and even challenges to meet. Such a spiritual Ego is more free than ever to express the
unique combination of gifts and talents that each of us is. No longer encumbered by Persona attachments or concerns about what others might think, one can more freely choose to investigate growth opportunities. It’s never too late to pursue a new hobby, sign up for a class at the university, make a retreat, read a different kind of book, volunteer to offer your services somewhere, and so forth. Our Father goes on working always, and we can go on growing as human beings as long as we live. Even
our times of illness and diminishment present unique opportunities to learn important lessons!
Hardback, paperback, eBook and free preview versions.
|
|
|
|
|
