Message of 7-24-09
Published: Fri, 07/17/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
"It is the nature of abandonment always to lead a mysterious life,
and to receive great and miraculous gifts from God by means of the
most ordinary things, things that may be natural, accidental, or
that seem to happen by chance, and in which there seems no other
agency than the ordinary course of the ways of the world, or of the
elements."
(Jean-Pierre de Caussade [18th C.], "Abandonment to Divine
Providence")
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Ex 20:1-17; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Mt 13:18-23
R. (John 6:68c) Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
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SCRIPTURE MEDITATION
- from
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
Taken as a whole, today's readings speak not only of the law of the
Lord as found in the reading from the book of Exodus, but of a
variety of circumstances in which I hear and receive "the word of
the Kingdom..." Matthew says that often the word, which I may have
received in joy, does not take root either because of lack of
understanding or because of the environment: "worldly anxiety and
the lure of riches choke the word."
What is there not to understand? The commandments found in Exodus
seem very clear. However, consider that the Ten Commandments were
addressed to a wandering, tribal community - not to the 21st
century educated urban dweller. This being said the salvific
truths remain, but we must read with opened eyes and hearts.
"I, the Lord, am your God...You shall not have other gods besides
me...I am a jealous God, inflicting punishment...but bestowing mercy
to...those who love me and keep my commandments." There is a
pleading quality to these words. I am your God, please listen to
me, take me seriously. I will not abandon you. I desire you.
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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
THE enclosed is an answer to that which I received from - ; pray
deliver it to her. She seems to me full of good will, but she would
go (try to advance) faster than grace. One does not become holy all
at once. I recommend her to you: we ought to help one another by
our advice, and yet more by our good examples. You will oblige me
to let me hear of her from time to time, and whether she be very
fervent and very obedient.
Let us thus think often that our only business in this life is to
please GOD, that perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity. You
and I have lived above forty years in religion [i.e., a monastic
life]. Have we employed them in loving and serving GOD, who by His
mercy has called us to this state and for that very end? I am
filled with shame and confusion, when I reflect on the one hand
upon the great favours which GOD has done, and incessantly
continues to do, me; and on the other, upon the ill use I have made
of them, and my small advancement in the way of perfection.
- 9th letter, to a corresponding sister, whom he regards with
respect tinged with fear.
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