Message of 3-1-10
Published: Thu, 02/25/10
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
A little lie is like a little pregnancy it doesn't take long before
everyone knows.
- C. S. Lewis, "Into The Wardrobe"
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Dn 9:4b-10; Ps. 79:8, 9, 11 and 13; Lk 6:36-38
R. (see 103:10a) Lord, do not deal with us according to our sins.
Remember not against us the iniquities of the past;
may your compassion quickly come to us,
for we are brought very low.
Help us, O God our savior,
because of the glory of your name;
Deliver us and pardon our sins
for your name's sake.
Let the prisoners' sighing come before you;
with your great power free those doomed to death.
Then we, your people and the sheep of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever;
through all generations we will declare your praise.
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://dailyscripture.net
How can we possibly love those who cause us harm, ill-will, and
grief? With God all things are possible. He gives power and grace
to those who know his love and who ask for the gift and help of the
Holy Spirit. Paul the Apostle reminds us that "God's love has been
poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given
to us" (Romans 5:5) God's love conquers all, even our hurts, fears,
prejudices and griefs. Only the cross of Jesus Christ and his
victory over sin can free us from the tyranny of malice, hatred,
revenge, and resentment, and give us the courage to overcome evil
with good (Romans 12:21). Such love and grace has power to heal
and to save from destruction. Do you know the power of Christ's
redeeming love and mercy?
"Lord Jesus, your love brings freedom and pardon. Fill me with your
Holy Spirit and set my heart free that nothing may make me lose my
temper, ruffle my peace, take away my joy, nor make me bitter
towards anyone."
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THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
From this patience there spring meekness and kindliness, for none
can be meek in adversity save the patient man.
Meekness gives a man peace and rest in all things. For the meek man
can bear provoking words and ways, uncivil looks and deeds, and
every kind of injustice towards himself and his friends, and yet in
all things remain in peace, for meekness is peaceful endurance.
Chapter 16: Of Meekness
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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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