Message of 12-10-09
Published: Thu, 12/03/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Whoever preaches with love preaches sufficiently against heresy,
though he may never utter a controversial word.
... François de Sales (1567-1622)
(Old saying: "preach the Gospel to all creatures, and use words if
necessary")
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab; Mt 11:11-15
R. (8) The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of
great kindness.
I will extol you, O my God and King,
and I will bless your name forever and ever.
The LORD is good to all
and compassionate toward all his works.
Let all your works give you thanks, O LORD,
and let your faithful ones bless you.
Let them discourse of the glory of your Kingdom
and speak of your might.
Let them make known to men your might
and the glorious splendor of your Kingdom.
Your Kingdom is a Kingdom for all ages,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
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SCRIPTURE MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Matthew 11:11-15 (Jesus praises John the Baptist)
The figure of John the Baptist is one revered by the Church. John
was apparently one of the greatest of Jewish prophets, one believed
by many to be the messiah. The Church has long considered John the
forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. In today's reading Jesus
himself identifies John as the spirit of Elijah who had been
prophesied to usher in the new age.
- The spirit of John the Baptist was a spirit of boldness and
courage which Winston Churchill maintained made all other virtues
possible. Are you courageous in standing up for the gospel?
- Pray for the grace to let go of fear in your life.
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "Imitation of Christ," by Thomas A. Kempis
The Disciple
Behold, beloved Father, I am in Your hands. I bow myself under
Your
correcting chastisement. Strike my back and my neck, that I may
bend
my crookedness to Your will. Make of me a pious and humble
follower,
as in Your goodness You are wont to do, that I may walk
according to
Your every nod. Myself and all that is mine I commit to You to be
corrected, for it is better to be punished here than hereafter.
-------- Bk. 3, Chapter 50
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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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