Message of 6-2-09
Published: Sat, 05/30/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
O abyss, O eternal Godhead, O sea profound, what more could you
give me than yourself? You are the fire that burns without being
consumed; you consume in your heat all the soul's self-love; you
are the fire which takes away cold; with your light you illuminate
me so that I may know all your truth. Clothe me, clothe me with
yourself, eternal truth, so that I may run this mortal life with
true obedience, and with the light of your most holy faith.
... Catherine of Siena
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Tb 2:9-14; Ps 112:1-2, 7-8, 9; Mk 12:13-17
R. (see 7c) The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Blessed the man who fears the LORD,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
An evil report he shall not fear;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear
till he looks down upon his foes.
Lavishly he gives to the poor;
his generosity shall endure forever;
his horn shall be exalted in glory.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
Coinage in the ancient world had significant political power.
Rulers issued coins with their own image and inscription on them.
In a certain sense the coin was regarded as the personal property
of the ruler. Where the coin was valid the ruler held political
sway over the people. Since the Jews used the Roman currency,
Jesus explained that what belonged to Caesar must be given to Caesar.
This story has another deeper meaning as well. We, too, have been
stamped with God's image since we are created in his own likeness
(Genesis 1:26-27). We rightfully belong, not to ourselves, but to
God who created us and redeemed us in the precious blood of his
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Paul the
Apostle says that we are to present our bodies as a living
sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1). Do you acknowledge that your life
belongs to God and not to yourself? And do you give to God what
rightfully belongs to Him?
"Lord, because you have made me, I owe you the whole of my love;
because you have redeemed me, I owe you the whole of myself;
because you have promised so much, I owe you all my being.
Moreover, I owe you as much more love than myself as you are
greater than I, for whom you gave yourself and to whom you promised
yourself. I pray you, Lord, make me taste by love what I taste by
knowledge; let me know by love what I know by understanding. I owe
you more than my whole self, but I have no more, and by myself I
cannot render the whole of it to you. Draw me to you, Lord, in the
fullness of love. I am wholly yours by creation; make me all
yours, too, in love." (prayer of Anselm, 1033-1109)
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Ignatian Method)
A. Preparation: acts of faith and reverence in the presence of God;
asking grace of a good meditation; petition for specific graces
sought in meditation.
B. Reading the Scriptures slowly, prayerfully.
C. Exercise of the memory, imagination, and intellect:
consideration of the material.. What practical applications are
suggested?
D. Expression of feelings and sentiments awakened in meditation.
Conversation with God.
E. Exercise of will and imagination in making resolutions. Prayer
for grace to fulfill resolutions.
F. Vocal prayer (Our Father, Hail Mary, other prayers).
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
"Sayings of Light and Love," by St. John of the Cross (jottings
from his notebooks)
119. There are three signs of inner recollection: first, a lack of
satisfaction in passing things; second, a liking for solitude and
silence, and an attentiveness to all that is more perfect; third,
the considerations, meditations and acts that formerly helped the
soul now hinder it, and it brings to prayer no other support than
faith, hope, and love.
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