Message of 9-17-09
Published: Sat, 09/12/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Read whatever chapter of scripture you will, and be ever so
delighted with it - yet it will leave you as poor, as empty and
unchanged as it found you unless it has turned you wholly and
solely to the Spirit of God, and brought you into full union with
and dependence upon him.
- William Law
(How would you turn "wholly and solely to the Spirit of God?" Go
ahead . . . do it.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
1 Tm 4:12-16; Ps 111:7-8, 9, 10; Lk 7:36-50
R. (2) How great are the works of the Lord!
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
sure are all his precepts,
Reliable forever and ever,
wrought in truth and equity.
He has sent deliverance to his people;
he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
prudent are all who live by it.
His praise endures forever.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Luke 7:36-50 (Jesus, the Pharisees, and the prostitute)
To appreciate the meaning of today's reading, we need to realize
that Simon the Pharisee had denied Jesus several hospitable
gestures normally extended to guests in a Jewish home. When a woman
reputed to be a sinner extends these courtesies to Jesus, he points
out the relationship between her generosity and her acceptance of
forgiveness.
- For what do you need to ask God's forgiveness right now? Spend
some time allowing God's forgiving grace to deepen your own
self-acceptance.
- Have you taken your loved ones for granted recently? If so, ask
for their forgiveness and resolve to change.
- Pray for the grace to experience God's forgiveness.
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "Imitation of Christ," by Thomas A. Kempis
The Voice of Christ
Ask, therefore, not for what is pleasing and convenient to
yourself,
but for what is acceptable to Me and is for My honor, because if
you
judge rightly, you ought to prefer and follow My will, not your
own
desire or whatever things you wish.
-------- Bk. 3, Chapter 49
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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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