Message of 6-30-09
Published: Mon, 06/29/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
The Word did not become a philosophy, a theory, or a concept to be
discussed, debated, or pondered. But the Word became a person to be
followed, enjoyed, and loved!
- Anonymous
(Is this your experience?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Gn 19:15-29; Ps 26:2-3, 9-10, 11-12; Mt 8:23-27
R. (3a) O Lord, your mercy is before my eyes.
Search me, O LORD, and try me;
test my soul and my heart.
For your mercy is before my eyes,
and I walk in your truth.
Gather not my soul with those of sinners,
nor with men of blood my life.
On their hands are crimes,
and their right hands are full of bribes.
But I walk in integrity;
redeem me, and have mercy on me.
My foot stands on level ground;
in the assemblies I will bless the LORD.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
What is stronger than fear, even the fear of death? Scripture gives
an answer: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out
fear" (1 John 4:18). The Wisdom of Solomon tells us that "love is
stronger than death" (Song of Songs 8:6). Jesus' sleeping presence
on the storm-tossed sea reveals the sleeping faith of his
disciples. They feared for their lives even though their Lord and
Master was with them in the boat. They were asleep to Christ while
he was present to them in their hour of need. The Lord is ever
present to us. And in our time of testing he asks the same
question: Why are you afraid? Have you no faith? Do you recognize
the Lord's presence with you, especially when you meet the storms
of adversity, sorrow, or temptation? Whenever we encounter
trouble, the Lord is there with the same reassuring message: "It is
I, do not be afraid".
"Lord Jesus, may I always recognize your abiding presence with me.
And in times of trouble or fear may I find courage and strength to
respond as you would. Help me to rely upon you in all circumstances
and to trust in your help both in adversity and in temptation".
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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)
123. If you wish to glory in yourself, but do not wish to appear
ignorant and foolish, discard the things that are not yours and you
will have glory in what remains. But certainly if you discard all
that is not yours, nothing will be left, since you must not glory
in anything if you do not want to fall into vanity. But let us
descend now especially to those graces, the gifts that make people
pleasing in God's sight. It is certain that you must not glory in
these gifts, for you do not even know if you possess them.
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