Message of 12-24-09
Published: Sat, 12/19/09
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Let's approach Christmas with an expectant hush, rather than a
last-minute rush.
- Anonymous
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps. 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 and 29; Lk
1:67-79
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
"I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations."
"He shall say of me, 'You are my father,
my God, the rock, my savior.'
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,
and my covenant with him stands firm."
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SCRIPTURE MEDITATION
from "Praying the Daily Gospels," by Philip St. Romain:
- http://www.liguori.org/productdetails.cfm?PC=6614
- Luke 1:67-79 (Zechariah's Canticle)
Just as he did in Mary's Magnificat, Luke writes of salvation
history in Zechariah's Canticle. This prayer, used daily in the
Liturgy of the Hours, is an inspiring statement about God's love
for us, a prayer rich in meaning concerning both John the Baptist
and us.
- Read through this passage slowly, spending time with the verses
that move you. Write your impressions in your journal.
- Christmas Day is tomorrow. Will charity prevail? How will you
celebrate the Incarnation?
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NOTES FROM A CLASSICAL WORK
- "Imitation of Christ," by Thomas A. Kempis
The Disciple
Do not allow me to judge according to the light of my bodily
eyes, nor
to give sentence according to the hearing of ignorant men's
ears. But
let me distinguish with true judgment between things visible and
spiritual, and always seek above all things Your good pleasure.
The
senses of men often err in their judgments, and the lovers of
this
world also err in loving only visible things. How is a man the
better
for being thought greater by men? The deceiver deceives the
deceitful,
the vain man deceives the vain, the blind deceives the blind,
the weak
deceives the weak as often as he extols them, and in truth his
foolish
praise shames them the more. For, as the humble St. Francis says,
whatever anyone is in Your sight, that he is and nothing more.
-------- 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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