Message of 3-2-09
Published: Sat, 02/28/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
(Remembering Sr. Joel Christoph OP, former team member at Heartland
Center for Spirituality, who died on 2-27-09, and will be buried
today. Sr. Joel wrote many reflections for Daily Spiritual Seed,
such as the one that follows.)
- Concerned about what her vocation in life was, St. Therese of
Lisieux turned to the letters of Paul -
"The apostle Paul explains that all the gifts of heaven, even the
most
perfect of them, without love, are absolutely nothing; charity is
the best way of all, because it leads
straight to God. Now I was at peace...charity - that was the key to
my vocation...love, in fact, is the
vocation which includes all others...Besides myself with joy, I
cried out: 'Jesus, my Love! I've found
my vocation, and my vocation is love'."
Breath prayer:
I am loved (breathing in)...with tender foresight (breathing
out).
Reflection question for journaling:
At several points in the day, check to see if what you are doing
is being done "in love and for Love".
Which routine activity might be enhanced by the conscious
decision to act with love?
(Originally published 5-20-98)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15; Mt 25:31-46
R. (John 6:63b) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
Let the words of my mouth and the thought of my heart
find favor before you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"And these will go off to eternal punishment."
It's easy to associate Lenten discipline with punishment. But few
of us truly know want, though its many forms surround us. Our
negligence in responding to the needs around us is negligence in
responding to the message of Christ. Our negligence in responding
to Christ's message is negligence in recognizing Christ. It is, in
essence, a rejection of the Gospel and, thus, Jesus himself. Lent
demands our attention. It demands a response. Let us embrace the
challenge of Lent, not as a punishment but as a test of our
righteousness as well as our readiness for eternal life.
"That we may inherit the kingdom prepared for us, we pray."
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LECTIO DIVINA PROCESS
- http://heartlandspirituality.org/vocations/prayer.html
First, you choose a passage of Scripture that you will pray with.
It might be the Gospel reading used in the liturgy of the day, or
anything else you want. The process then follows these steps:
* Reading (lectio) After settling in and quieting yourself,
read the passage slowly, prayerfully. Just let it sink in for a
minute or two, then read it a second time, paying closer attention
to the words or phrases that speak to you.
* Reflecting (meditatio) What do you hear God saying to you in
this passage? What words or phrases caught your attention?
* Responding (oratio) What do you want to say to God in
response to what you've heard? Here you can also voice your prayers
of petition, remorse, thanksgiving, praise, and so forth. If you
sense God speaking to you in your thoughts, feelings or
imagination, you respond as you would in any conversation.
* Resting (contemplatio) If, at any time, you feel drawn to
simply rest in the awareness of God's loving presence, you let
yourself do so. Remain in loving silence as long as you feel
comfortable, perhaps using a simple word or phrase from the
Scripture passage to help deepen your openness to rest in God.
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THEOLOGICAL GEMS FROM EMIL MERCH'S "THEOLOGY OF THE MYSTICAL BODY"
from http://www.innerexplorations.com/chtheomortext/theolgems.htm
594. Grace is a gift presented to rational creatures with a view to
their eternal life.
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