Message of 9-29-09
Published: Wed, 09/23/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
If afore us were laid together all the pains in Hell... and in
Earth--death and the rest--and by itself, sin, we would rather choose
all that pain than sin. For sin is so vile and so greatly to be
hated that it may be likened to no pain that is not sin. To me was
shown no harder hell than sin.
... Juliana of Norwich (1342?-1417), Revelations of Divine Love,
ch. XL
(What pains do you suffer from sin? Pray for the grace of healing
and forgiveness.)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Rv 12:7-12ab; Ps 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5; Jn 1:47-51
R. (1) In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
"Great is the glory of the LORD
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
Jesus' response to Nathanial's new faith is the promise that Jesus
himself will be the "ladder which unites earth with heaven". Jesus
proclaims that he is the fulfillment of the promise made to the
Patriarch Jacob and his descendants. Jesus is the true ladder or
stairway to heaven. In Jesus' incarnation, the divine Son of God
taking on human flesh for our sake, we see the union of heaven and
earth - God making his dwelling with us and bringing us into the
heavenly reality of his kingdom. Jesus' death on the cross where he
defeated sin and won new life for us through his resurrection opens
the way for each of us to come into a new relationship with God as
his sons and daughters. The Lord Jesus opens the way for each of us
to "ascend to heaven" and to bring "heaven to earth" in the daily
circumstances of our lives. God's kingdom is present in those who
seek him and who do his will. Through the gift of faith God opens a
door for each one of us to the heavenly reality of his kingdom. Do
you see and believe the heavenly reality with the "eyes of faith"?
"Heavenly Father, through your Son Jesus Christ, you have opened
the way to heaven for us. As you revealed yourself to your beloved
patriarchs and apostles, so reveal yourself to me that I may
glorify you in my daily life. May I always find joy in your
presence and never lose sight of the kingdom of heaven."
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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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- http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00067L6TQ/?tag=christianspiritu
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
"Sayings of Light and Love," by St. John of the Cross (jottings
from his notebooks)
136. Walk in solitude with God; act according to the just measure;
hide the blessings of God.
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