Message of 12-8-09
Published: Thu, 12/03/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
The last and highest result of prayer is not the securing of this
or that gift, the avoiding of this or that danger. The last and
highest result of prayer is the knowledge of God--the knowledge
which is eternal life--and by that knowledge, the transformation of
human character and of the world.
... George John Blewett (1873-1912), "The Christian View of the
World"
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
- feast of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic)
Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk
1:26-38
R. (1) Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous
deeds.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
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GOSPEL MEDITATION
- from http://www.dailyscripture.net/
What is the key that can unlock the power and grace of God's
kingdom in our personal lives? Faith and obedience for sure! When
Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they immediately experienced the
consequence of their action - separation from the God who loved
them. God in his mercy promised them a Redeemer who would pay the
price for their sin and the sin of the world. We see the marvelous
unfolding of God's plan of redemption in the events leading up to
the Incarnation, the birth of the Messiah. Mary's prompt response
of "yes" to the divine message is a model of faith for all
believers. Mary believed God's promises even when they seemed
impossible. She was full of grace because she trusted that what God
said was true and would be fulfilled. She was willing and eager to
do God's will, even if it seemed difficult or costly. God gives us
grace and he expects us to respond with the same willingness,
obedience, and heart-felt trust as Mary did. When God commands he
also gives the grace, strength, and means to respond. We can either
yield to his grace or resist and go our own way. Do you believe in
God's promises and do you yield to his grace?
"Heavenly Father, you offer us abundant grace, mercy, and
forgiveness through your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to
live a grace-filled life as Mary did by believing in your promises
and by giving you my unqualified "yes" to your will and to your
plan for my life."
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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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Amazon.com gift cards - good for any occasion
- 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)
149. Do not refuse work even though it seems that you cannot do it.
Let all find compassion in you.
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