Message of 3-27-09
Published: Mon, 03/23/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Satan cannot deny but that great wonders have been wrought by
prayer. As the spirit of prayer goes up, so his kingdom goes down.
Satan's stratagems against prayer are three. First, if he can, he
will keep thee from prayer. If that be not feasible, secondly, he
will strive to interrupt thee in prayer. And, thirdly, if that plot
takes not, he will labour to hinder the success of thy prayer.
- William Gurnall
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Wis 2:1a, 12-22; Ps 34:17-18, 19-20, 21 and 23; Jn 7:1-2, 10,
25-30
R. (19a) The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
Many are the troubles of the just man,
but out of them all the LORD delivers him.
He watches over all his bones;
not one of them shall be broken.
The LORD redeems the lives of his servants;
no one incurs guilt who takes refuge in him.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.ht
ml
Today's gospel reveals a Jesus who is forthright as well as
prudent in proclaiming the message from his Father.
He is forthright, speaking openly in public even in the sacred
temple area itself. No amount of intimidation by the religious
authorities could stop him from proclaiming his message.
Courageously he witnesses to the truths his Father --the one who
sent him -- gave him to proclaim.
Yet we also witness a Jesus who is prudent. Carefully he arranges
circumstances enabling him to proclaim his message. Only after
fully proclaiming God's message did he permit the authorities to
arrest him. And then like all true Israeli prophets he was
willing to suffer the consequences of his proclamation.
Jesus' example is significant for us. Through baptism we have
become his presence and his voice for our families, friends and
communities. Our baptismal vocations call us to continue his
prophetic role. This means we must be both forthright and prudent
in witnessing to the truth we have been given.
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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
I say again, let us enter into ourselves. The time presses: there
is no room for delay; our souls are at stake. I believe you have
taken such effectual measures, that you will not be surprised. I
commend you for it, it is the one thing necessary: we must,
nevertheless, always work at it, because not to advance, in the
spiritual life, is to go back. But those who have the gale of the
HOLY SPIRIT go forward even in sleep. If the vessel of our soul is
still tossed with winds and storms, let us awake the LORD, who
reposes in it, and He will quickly calm the sea.
- 4th letter, writng to a soldier friend
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