Message of 6-26-09
Published: Mon, 06/08/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Refusing to accept God's love because we're unworthy - of course
we're unworthy! - is another golden calf.
- Madeleine L'Engle
(God loves us because God is loving, and delights in our accepting
love. Open your heart to God this day.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Gn 17:1, 9-10, 15-22; Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; Mt 8:1-4
R. (4) See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Blessed are you who fear the LORD,
who walk in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
Your children like olive plants
around your table.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
The Jewish law forbade anyone from touching or approaching a leper,
lest ritual defilement occur. The leper did something quite
remarkable. He approached Jesus confidently and humbly, expecting
that Jesus could and would heal him. Normally a leper would be
stoned or at least warded off if he tried to come near a rabbi.
Jesus not only grants the man his request, but he demonstrates the
personal love, compassion, and tenderness of God in his physical
touch. The medical knowledge of his day would have regarded such
contact as grave risk for incurring infection. Jesus met the man's
misery with compassion and tender kindness. He communicated the
love and mercy of God in a sign that spoke more eloquently than
words. He touched the man and made him clean - not only physically
but spiritually as well.
"May the power of your love, Lord Christ, fiery and sweet as honey,
so absorb our hearts as to withdraw them from all that is under
heaven. Grant that we may be ready to die for love of your love, as
you died for love of our love." (Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 13th
century)
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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
Use yourself then by degrees thus to worship Him, to beg His grace,
to offer Him your heart from time to time, in the midst of your
business, even every moment if you can. Do not always scrupulously
confine yourself to certain rules, or particular forms of devotion;
but act with a general confidence in GOD, with love and humility.
You may assure - of my poor prayers, and that I am their servant,
and yours particularly.
- 7th Letter
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