Message of 3-12-09
Published: Thu, 03/05/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Repentance is but a kind of table-talk, till we see so much of the
deformity of our inward nature as to be in some degree frightened
and terrified at the sight of it... A plausible form of an outward
life, that has only learned rules and modes of religion by use and
custom, often keeps the soul for some time at ease, though all its
inward root and ground of sin has never been shaken or molested,
though it has never tasted of the bitter waters of repentance and
has only known the want of a Saviour by hearsay. But things cannot
pass thus: sooner or later repentance must have a broken and a
contrite heart; we must with our blessed Lord go over the brook
Cedron, and with Him sweat great drops of sorrow before He can say
for us, as He said for Himself: "It is finished."
... William Law, "Christian Regeneration"
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Lk 16:19-31
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
Not so, the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Luke 16: 19-31: The rich man and Lazarus
The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus teaches us that the real
value of our lives must be weighed against the inevitability of
death and the prospect of judgment before God. The surest way to
guarantee repose in the "bosom of Abraham" is to love God and
neighbor.
- What kinds of situations make you feel insecure? When do you
feel most secure? What is the primary source of your security?
- How do you feel about the prospect of coming before God's
judgment when you die?
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Carmelite Method)
A. Introduction: settling in, relaxing in awareness of God's
presence.
B. Reading the text slowly, prayerfully.
C. Meditation: imaginative representation of the material; reflection
on the meaning of the material and its application to one's life.
D. Affective prayer: conversation with God, attentive to sharing
feelings awakened in meditation. Prayer of petition, thanksgiving,
remorse.
E. Resting in God in silent loving awareness, if moved to do so.
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "Imitation of Christ," by Thomas A. Kempis
Rare is the friend who remains faithful through all his friend's
distress. But You, Lord, and You alone, are entirely faithful in
all
things; other than You, there is none so faithful.
-------- Bk. 3, Chapter 45
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