Message of 11-30-09
Published: Fri, 11/27/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
The word "prayer" has often been trivialized by making it into a
way of getting what you want. But... I use "prayer" as the umbrella
word for any interior journeys or practices that allow you to
experience faith, hope and love within yourself. It is not a
technique for getting things, a pious exercise that somehow makes
God happy, or a requirement for entry into heaven. It is much more
like practicing heaven now.
- Richard Rohr
(Thanks, Fred)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Rom 10:9-18; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11; Mt 4:18-22
R. (10) The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are
just.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
refreshing the soul;
The decree of the LORD is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
The command of the LORD is clear,
enlightening the eye.
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever;
The ordinances of the LORD are true,
all of them just.
They are more precious than gold,
than a heap of purest gold;
Sweeter also than syrup
or honey from the comb.
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"At once they left their nets and followed him."
The call of discipleship didn't end with the apostles. It isn't
that fewer people are being called to vocations. The difference
lies in the willingness to walk away from our distractions. We have
ourselves so tangled in the nets of our lives and society that it's
very hard to escape. We all are invited to share in Jesus' work in
a unique and personal way. It's time to free ourselves from
whatever net traps us and heed the call.
"Jesus, we long to follow you; show us the way, we pray."
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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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THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
The third kind are those good Christians who, from time to time,
fell into sin, and rose again through contrition and penance; but
who have not made full satisfaction for their sins according to
justice. These belong to purgatory.
- Chapter X: The Five Kinds of People Who Will Appear Before Christ
on Judgment Day
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LECTIO DIVINA PROCESS
- http://heartlandspirituality.org/vocations/prayer.html
First, you choose a passage of Scripture that you will pray with.
It might be the Gospel reading used in the liturgy of the day, or
anything else you want. The process then follows these steps:
* Reading (lectio) After settling in and quieting yourself,
read the passage slowly, prayerfully. Just let it sink in for a
minute or two, then read it a second time, paying closer attention
to the words or phrases that speak to you.
* Reflecting (meditatio) What do you hear God saying to you in
this passage? What words or phrases caught your attention?
* Responding (oratio) What do you want to say to God in
response to what you've heard? Here you can also voice your prayers
of petition, remorse, thanksgiving, praise, and so forth. If you
sense God speaking to you in your thoughts, feelings or
imagination, you respond as you would in any conversation.
* Resting (contemplatio) If, at any time, you feel drawn to
simply rest in the awareness of God's loving presence, you let
yourself do so. Remain in loving silence as long as you feel
comfortable, perhaps using a simple word or phrase from the
Scripture passage to help deepen your openness to rest in God.
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