Message of 1-30-09
Published: Fri, 01/23/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Wealth, which leads men the wrong way so often, [should be] seen
less for its own qualities than for the human misery it stands for.
The large rooms of which you are so proud are in fact your shame.
They are big enough to hold crowds -- and also big enough to shut
out the voice of the poor! ... The poor man cries before your
house, and you pay no attention. There is your brother, naked,
crying, and you stand there, confused over the choice of an
attractive floor covering.
... St. Ambrose of Milan
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Heb 10:32-39; Ps 37:3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40; Mk 4:26-34
R. (39a) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
Trust in the LORD and do good,
that you may dwell in the land and be fed in security.
Take delight in the LORD,
and he will grant you your heart's requests.
Commit to the LORD your way;
trust in him, and he will act.
He will make justice dawn for you like the light;
bright as the noonday shall be your vindication.
By the LORD are the steps of a man made firm,
and he approves his way.
Though he fall, he does not lie prostrate,
for the hand of the LORD sustains him.
The salvation of the just is from the LORD;
he is their refuge in time of distress.
And the LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
The Lord of the Universe is ever ready to transform us by the power
of his Spirit. Are you ready to let God change you by his grace and
power? The kingdom of God produces a transformation in those who
receive the new life which Jesus Christ offers. When we yield to
Jesus Christ, our lives are transformed by the power of the Holy
Spirit who dwells in us. Paul the Apostle says, "we have this
treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power
belongs to God and not to us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Do you believe
in the transforming power of the Holy Spirit?
"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit and transform me into
the Christ-like holiness you desire. Increase my zeal for your
kingdom and instill in me a holy desire to live for your greater
glory."
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Benedictine Approach)
1. Relax. Settle in. Be aware that God is here, now, loving you.
2. Read a short passage of Scripture as though God were speaking
directly to you in it.
3. Choose a phrase from the passage that strikes you and repeat it
slowly, prayerfully, non-analytically.
4. When your heart is full, express to God the needs and sentiments
awakened by your meditation. When you're done, read another passage
and repeat steps 3 and 4.
5. If, at any time, you feel moved to simply be present to God in
loving silence, put the Scripture aside and rest in God.
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "The Practice of the Presence of God," by Brother Lawrence
- Letter to a Soldier Friend
WE have a GOD who is infinitely gracious, and knows all our wants.
I always thought that He would reduce you to extremity. He will
come in His own time, and when you least expect it. Hope in Him
more than ever: thank Him with me for the favours He does you,
particularly for the fortitude and patience which He gives you in
your afflictions: it is a plain mark of the care He takes of you;
comfort yourself then with Him, and give thanks for all.
- 3rd Letter
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