Message of 8-13-09
Published: Sat, 07/25/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
It is not the distance of the earth from the sun, nor the sun's
withdrawing itself, that makes a dark and gloomy day; but the
interposition of clouds and vaporous exhalations. Neither is thy
soul beyond the reach of the promise, nor does God withdraw
Himself; but the vapours of thy carnal, unbelieving heart do cloud
thee.
... John Owen (1616-1683), "Works of John Owen," v. VIII
(. . . "nor does God withdraw Himself . . . " Be still and know
that God is God.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Josh 3:7-17; Ps. 114; Matt 18:21-19:1
1 When Israel went forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a
people of strange language,
2 Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.
3 The sea looked and fled, Jordan turned back.
4 The mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs.
5What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back?
6O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs?
7 Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of
the God of Jacob,
8 who turns the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring
of water.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Matthew 18: 21-19:1 (The mercy of God)
Forgiveness is one of the most humbling of all practices and one of
the most difficult. That is why Peter asks Jesus if there is a
limit to the number of times that God--and we--can forgive others.
Jesus reply reveals the incomprehensible depths d)f God's
forgiveness and our awesome responsibility to extend this grace to
others.
- Suppose God were to treat you as you have treated other people.
How well would you fare? Which would you prefer to have God extend
to you, justice or mercy?
- Is it difficult for you to forgive those who have wronged you? Is
it difficult to ask for forgiveness when you've done wrong to
another?
- Pray for the grace to know that you are a forgiven sinner.
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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
O my God, do not remove Yourself far from me, and depart not in
anger
from Your servant. Dart forth Your lightning and disperse them;
send
forth Your arrows and let the phantoms of the enemy be put to
flight.
Draw my senses toward You and make me forget all worldly things.
Grant
me the grace to cast away quickly all vicious imaginings and to
scorn
them. Aid me, O heavenly Truth, that no vanity may move me. Come,
heavenly Sweetness, and let all impurity fly from before Your
face.
-------- Bk. 3, Chapter 48
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