Message of 7-2-09
Published: Mon, 06/29/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
You have been in the storms and swept by the blasts. Have they left
you broken, weary, beaten in the valley, or have they lifted you to
the sunlit summits of a richer, deeper, more abiding manhood and
womanhood? Have they left you with more sympathy with the storm
swept and the battle-scarred?
- Anonymous
(What have your learned from your struggles and suffering lately?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Gn 22:1b-19; Ps 115:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; Mt 9:1-8
R. (9) I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the
living.
Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name give glory
because of your kindness, because of your truth.
Why should the pagans say,
"Where is their God?"
Our God is in heaven;
whatever he wills, he does.
Their idols are silver and gold,
the handiwork of men.
They have mouths but speak not;
they have eyes but see not;
They have ears but hear not;
they have noses but smell not.
Their makers shall be like them,
everyone who trusts in them.
The house of Israel trusts in the LORD;
he is their help and their shield.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
Matthew 9: 1-8 (Jesus and the paralytic)
Today's reading makes little sense unless we realize that Jews
believed sickness was a manifestation of the power of sin in the
world. By offering the paralytic forgiveness and healing, Jesus
reveals his power over the forces of sin.
- How does sin most often break into your life? Hear Jesus' words
'Courage child, your sins are forgiven." Pray for the grace to
accept God's forgiveness.
- Do you know someone who is sick, depressed, or overburdened who
would appreciate some support from you?
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Carmelite Method)
A. Introduction: settling in, relaxing in awareness of God's
presence.
B. Reading the text slowly, prayerfully.
C. Meditation: imaginative representation of the material;
reflection
on the meaning of the material and its application to one's life.
D. Affective prayer: conversation with God, attentive to sharing
feelings awakened in meditation. Prayer of petition, thanksgiving,
remorse.
E. Resting in God in silent loving awareness, if moved to do so.
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "Imitation of Christ," by Thomas A. Kempis
The Voice of Christ
If you could see the everlasting crowns of the saints in heaven,
and
the great glory wherein they now rejoice -- they who were once
considered contemptible in this world and, as it were, unworthy
of
life itself -- you would certainly humble yourself at once to
the very
earth, and seek to be subject to all rather than to command even
one.
Nor would you desire the pleasant days of this life, but rather
be
glad to suffer for God, considering it your greatest gain to be
counted as nothing among men.
-------- Bk. 3, Chapter 47
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