Message of 6-15-09
Published: Sat, 06/06/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
By these things examine thyself: By whose rules am I acting? In
whose name? In whose strength? For whose glory? What faith,
humility, self-denial and love of God and to man have there been in
my actions?
- Anonymous
(How would you answer these questions at this time in your life?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
2 Cor 6:1-10; Ps 98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4; Mt 5:38-42
R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
In the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one
who wants to borrow."
In tough economic times, it is easy to harden ourselves to the
overwhelming need around us. If it feels like all we can do is spit
on a forest fire, why bother? Often the seeming futility of what
we can give, when it is measured against how much people really
need, stops us before we even begin. However, we cannot allow the
vastness of want and suffering to overpower us. Some days, our
greatest acts of generosity involve just giving time or a kind
word. We may not have great wealth to share, but we all have much
to give -- our concern, our prayers, our love, our strength, our
words of hope and encouragement.
"Charitable Lord, our model of generosity, show us how to face our
challenges and not turn our back on those in need, 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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THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
. . . God touches all men, each one according to his need; so that
at times a man is smitten, reproved, alarmed, and stands still
within himself to consider himself. And all this is still
prevenient grace, and not yet efficacious grace. Thus does
prevenient grace prepare the soul for the reception of the other
grace, through which eternal life is merited. For when the soul has
thus got rid of evil willing and evil doing, it is perplexed and
smitten with fear of what it should do, considering itself, its
wicked works, and God. And from this there arise a natural
repentance of its sins and a natural good-will. Such is the highest
work of prevenient grace.
- Chapter 1, Of the Active Life
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