Message of 8-11-09
Published: Sat, 07/25/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
If the appetite alone hath sinned, let it alone fast, and it
sufficeth. But if the other members also have sinned, why should
they not fast, too? ... Let the eye fast from strange sights and
from every wantonness, so that that which roamed in freedom in
fault-doing may, abundantly humbled, be checked by penitence. Let
the ear, blameably eager to listen, fast from tales and rumours,
and from whatsoever is of idle import, and tendeth least to
salvation. Let the tongue fast from slanders and murmurings, and
from useless, vain, and scurrilous words, and sometimes also, in
the seriousness of silence, even from things which may seem of
essential import. Let the hand abstain from ... all toils which are
not imperatively necessary. But also let the soul herself abstain
from all evils and from acting out her own will. For without such
abstinence the other things find no favor with the Lord.
... Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153), Saint Bernard, Abbot of
Clairvaux, "Selections from His Letters, Meditations, Sermons,
Hymns and Other Writngs"
(What kind of fasting do you need to do at this time in life?)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Deut 31:1-8; Ps. 119: 14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131; Matt 18:1-5,
10, 12-14
14. In the way of your decrees I rejoice, as much as in all riches.
24. Yes your decrees are my delight; they are my counselors.
72. The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of
gold and silver pieces.
103. How sweet to my palate are your promises, sweeter than honey
to my mouth!.
111. Your decrees are my inheritance forever; the joy of my heart
they are.
131. I gasp for open mouth in my yearning for your commands.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
What does Jesus' story about a lost sheep tell us about God and his
kingdom? Shepherds normally counted their sheep at the end of the
day to make sure all were accounted for. Since sheep by their very
nature are very social, an isolated sheep can quickly become
bewildered and even neurotic. The shepherd's grief and anxiety is
turned to joy when he finds the lost sheep and restores it to the
fold. What was new in Jesus' teaching was the insistence that
sinners must be sought out and not merely mourned for. God does not
rejoice in the loss of anyone, but desires that all be saved and
restored to fellowship with him. That is why the whole community of
heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored to fellowship
with God (Luke 15:7). Seekers of the lost are much needed today. Do
you pray and seek after those you know who have lost their way to
God?
"Lord Jesus, teach me your way of humility and simplicity of heart
that I may find perfect joy in you. May your light shine through me
that others may see your truth and love and find hope and peace in
you."
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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)
129. The soul that has reached the union of love does not even
experience the first motions of sin.
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