Message of 3-6-09
Published: Sat, 02/28/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"For I saw full surely that where our Lord appeareth, peace is
taken and wrath hath no place. For I saw no manner of wrath in
God, neither for short time nor for long; for in sooth, as to my
sight, if God might be wroth for an instant, we should never have
life nor place nor being."
- Julian of Norwich [14th - 15th C.], "Revelations of Divine Love"
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8; Mt 5:20-26
R. (3) If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to my voice in supplication.
If you, O LORD, mark iniquities,
LORD, who can stand?
But with you is forgiveness,
that you may be revered.
I trust in the LORD;
my soul trusts in his word.
My soul waits for the LORD
more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
Let Israel wait for the LORD.
For with the LORD is kindness
and with him is plenteous redemption;
And he will redeem Israel
from all their iniquities.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
What is the antidote for overcoming anger and rage? Mercy,
forbearance, and kindness spring from a heart full of love and
forgiveness. God has forgiven us and he calls us to extend mercy
and forgiveness towards those who cause us harm and grief. In the
cross of Jesus we see the supreme example of love and the power for
overcoming evil. Only God's love and grace can set our hearts and
minds free from the tyranny of wounded pride and spiteful revenge.
Do you harbor any anger towards another person? And are you quick
to be reconciled when a rupture has been caused in your
relationships? Ask God to set you free and to fill your heart and
mind with his love and truth.
"Lord Jesus, my heart is cold. Make it warm, compassionate, and
forgiving towards all, even those who do me harm. May I only think
and say what is pleasing to you and be of kind service to all I
meet."
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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
Judge by this what content and satisfaction he enjoys, while he
continually finds in himself so great a treasure: he is no longer
in an anxious search after it, but has it open before him, and may
take what he pleases of it.
- Fourth letter: to a correspondent in which he refers to himself
in the third person.
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