Message of 12-2-09
Published: Fri, 11/27/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Are we hesitating to respond to Christ this Advent because we are
waiting for just the right moment, those perfect circumstances that
will allow us to be just as quick as Andrew? Sadly, we may discover
that while we were waiting for that illusive moment, we failed to
be attentive to the here and now invitations of everyday life,
missing opportunities to respond with the generosity of a true
follower of Christ.
- Priscilla Marck, "The Magnificat Advent Collection"
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mt 15:29-37
R. (6cd) I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my
life.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
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SCRIPTURE MEDITATION
From "Daily Bread"
- http://www.dailyscripture.net/
There is only one way in which a person's sincerity can be proved,
and that is by one's practice. Fine words can never replace good
deeds. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially
when we are tested. Do you cheat on an exam or on your income
taxes, especially when it will cost you? Do you lie, or cover-up,
when disclosing the truth will cause you injury or embarrassment?
A true person is honest and reliable before God, one's neighbor and
oneself. His or her word can be counted on. If you heed God's word
and live according to it then you need not fear when storms assail
you. God will be your rock and your refuge. Is your life built upon
the sure "rock" of Jesus Christ and do you listen to his word as if
your life depended on it?
"Lord Jesus, your are my Rock and my Refuge. Help me to conform my
life according to your word that I may stand firm in times of
trouble and find hope in your promises."
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WHAT IS CHRISTIAN LOVE?
by Philip St. Romain©
Adapted from "Freedom from Codependency: A Christian Response"
http://shalomplace.com/view/codep.html
- The Nature of Christian Love -
What about sin? Does God love us even when we sin?
These questions are answered clearly in Christ's teaching and life.
Yes, God loves us even when we sin. There is not one example in
Scripture of Christ turning away from someone because that person
was too bad for him. In fact, it was precisely his willingness to
be available to sinners that scandalized the Jewish leaders. So we
can have no doubt about it: God loves sinners, and this means you!
Unlike dysfunctional people, however, Christ made a distinction
between person and behavior. He loved people, but he frequently
disagreed with and confronted unhealthy and sinful behavior. He
did not judge people on the basis of behavior alone, but he did
judge behavior on the basis of whether or not it was moral or
immoral. "Love the sinner, but hate the sin" was his attitude.
(Part 9 of 12 part series)
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REVIEW OF DAY
- from, "Handbook for Spiritual Directees"
http://shalomplace.com/view/hndbk-lite.pdf
Here is a practice used by many at the end of the day to see what
lessons can be learned and how God was present and active through
the day. Set aside fifteen to twenty minutes at the end of the
day for prayer and review of your day. A suggested format is
described below:.
1. Take a few moments of quiet. Breathe deeply. Ask God to help you
see yourself as you truly were during the day.
2. Look back over your day - not to see what you did wrong but to
honestly acknowledge what was going on with you and others.
* What happened? What did I do today?
* How did I feel? Why did I feel that way?
* Were my expectations and beliefs reasonable?
3. Affirm the healthy things you recognize.
4. Admit to yourself and God the unhealthy things. Ask God's
forgiveness, believe it is yours, then decide if you need to
apologize or make amends.
5. Use creative visualization to grow stronger. Honestly
acknowledge the troubling situations of the day. See and feel
yourself acting honestly and lovingly in these situations. Ask God
for the grace to help you act in this new way.
6. Close with simple awareness of the sights and sounds around you,
grateful for the good things in your life.
This process can be undertaken as a daily journal exercise or by
prayerfully reviewing your day in your own mind. I like to take a
walk before bedtime for examen. The important thing is to do it. It
is a discipline, to be sure, but a very important one.
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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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SHALOM PLACE PREMIUM GROUPS
- Life-long learning and formation in Christian spirituality.
Groups now open include the following:
A. Psychological Types and Spirituality
B. The Way of Christian Spirituality
C. Freedom from Codependency
D. Christian Spirituality Resources
E. Wonderfully Made (Christian Metaphysics)
F. Growing in Christ
G. Spiral Dynamics®
H. Discerning God's Will
I. Dark Night of the Soul
J. Silence, Solitude and Sabbath
K. Alpha Group -- includes all the above and all to come.
- see http://shalomplace.org/groups.html
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