Message of 4-10-09
Published: Mon, 04/06/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
- Good Friday -
Satan's cause is never more in danger than when a human being no
longer desiring, but still intending to do God's will, looks around
upon a world from which every trace of God seems to have vanished
and asks why he has been forsaken, yet still obeys.
- C. S. Lewis, "Into the Wardrobe"
(And that is what He did . . . Now for us to do the same.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Is 52:13--53:12; Ps 31:2, 6, 12-13, 15-16, 17, 25; Heb
4:14-16; 5:7-9; Jn 18:1--19:42
R. (Lk 23:46) Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
For all my foes I am an object of reproach,
a laughingstock to my neighbors, and a dread to my friends;
they who see me abroad flee from me.
I am forgotten like the unremembered dead;
I am like a dish that is broken.
But my trust is in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God.
In your hands is my destiny; rescue me
from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors."
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
Take courage and be stouthearted,
all you who hope in the LORD.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.ht
ml
Today, as I walk the busy city streets, meander country villages
and farmers' fields, visit the sick or imprisoned, nurse my infant
or feed an enfeebled elder, or sit at the foot of the cross I might
pray:
How have I been present to the weeping Jesus this Lent? As
Jesus wept over Jerusalem who or what specifically was I being
invited to notice and be with?
How has the gentle merciful Jesus been present to me in my
struggle this Lent?
Who/Where am I in this story of unfolding love, mercy, justice
and peace?
What is my story of struggle, identity, commitment, peace and
freedom?
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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 received this day two books and a letter from Sister, who is
preparing to make her profession, and upon that account desires the
prayers of your holy society, and yours in particular. I perceive
that she reckons much upon them; pray do not disappoint her. Beg of
GOD that she may make her sacrifice in the view of His love alone,
and with a firm resolution to be wholly devoted to Him.
I will send you one of those books which treat of the presence of
GOD; a subject which, in my opinion, contains the whole spiritual
life; and it seems to me that whoever duly practises it will soon
become spiritual.
I know that for the right practice of it, the heart must be empty
of all other things; because GOD will possess the heart alone; and
as He cannot possess it alone, without emptying it of all besides,
so neither can He act there, and do in it what He pleases, unless
it be left vacant to Him.
- Fifth Letter
Prayer for a sister who is about to make a vow and profession.
* A
fresh insisting upon the necessity and virtue of practising the
Presence of God.
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