Message of 2-19-10
Published: Sat, 02/13/10
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
To have faith is to rely upon Christ, the Person, with the whole
heart. It is not the understanding of the mind, not the theological
opinion, not creed, not organization, not ritual. It is the
koinonia of the whole personality with God and Christ. This
experience of communion with Christ is itself the continual
attitude of dependence on the Saviour which we call faith.
- Kokichi Kurosaki (1886-1970), "One Body in Christ"
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Is 58:1-9a; Ps. 51:3-4, 5-6ab, 18-19; Mt 9:14-15
R. (19b) A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
For I acknowledge my offense,
and my sin is before me always:
"Against you only have I sinned,
and done what is evil in your sight."
For you are not pleased with sacrifices;
should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
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SCRIPTURE MEDITATION
- from
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
. . . for our prayer today, let us rather look heedfully,
carefully, sharply at what Isaiah tells "is the fasting that God
wishes: releasing those bound unjustly, setting free the oppressed,
breaking every yoke, sharing your bread with the hungry, sheltering
the oppressed and the homeless, clothing the naked, and not turning
your back on your own." Then give thought to the consequences of
such acting justly and mercifully: you yourself shall be swiftly
healed, totally enlightened and justified, surrounded by the glory
of God. And all your prayers will be heard and answered!
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SPIRITUAL READING
- Fenelon's "Maxims of the Saints"
Of the love of God, there are various kinds. At least, there are
various feelings which go under that name.
First, There is what may be called mercenary or selfish love; that
is, that love of God which originates in a sole regard to our own
happiness. Those who love God with no other love than this, love
Him just as the miser his money, and the voluptuous man his
pleasures; attaching no value to God, except as a means to an end;
and that end is the gratification of themselves. Such, love, if it
can be called by that name, is unworthy of God. He does not ask
it; He will not receive it. In the language of Francis de Sales,
"it is sacrilegious and impious."
- First Article
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PRAYING WITH SCRIPTURE (Benedictine Approach)
1. Relax. Settle in. Be aware that God is here, now, loving you.
2. Read a short passage of Scripture as though God were speaking
directly to you in it.
3. Choose a phrase from the passage that strikes you and repeat it
slowly, prayerfully, non-analytically.
4. When your heart is full, express to God the needs and sentiments
awakened by your meditation. When you're done, read another passage
and repeat steps 3 and 4.
5. If, at any time, you feel moved to simply be present to God in
loving silence, put the Scripture aside and rest in God.
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