Message of 2-22-10
Published: Thu, 02/18/10
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
The fortitude of a Christian consists in patience,... not in
enterprises which the poets call heroic, and which are commonly the
effects of interest, pride, and worldly honor.
... John Dryden (1631-1700)
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
1 Pt 5:1-4; Ps. 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6; Mt 16:13-19
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
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.
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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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the
flock."
This exhortation to the presbyters from Peter's first letter
reveals the fruit of a life of dedication, suffering and
conversion. Impetuous, cowardly Peter has become a wise
servant-leader who is setting an example for others who are raised
to leadership. One recognizes these servant-leaders, and I have
been fortunate to know -- and be served by -- many. Today's feast is
a good day to pray in thanksgiving for good pastors. Lord Jesus,
bless those who serve us as priests and pastors. Give them what
they need to resist the temptations of privilege and continue the
work that Jesus came to do.
"St. Peter, pray for us."
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THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
From the renunciation of self-will springs patience; for none can
be perfectly patient in all things save the man who has subjected
his own will to the will of God, and also in all profitable and
seemly things, to the will of all other men.
Patience is a peaceful endurance of all things that may befall a
man either from God or from the creatures. Nothing can trouble the
patient man; neither the loss of earthly goods, of friends and
kinsmen, nor sickness, nor disgrace, nor life, nor death, nor
purgatory, nor devil, nor hell. For he has abandoned himself in
perfect charity to the will of God, and as he is not burdened by
mortal sin, everything that God imposes on him, in time and in
eternity, is light to him. By this patience a man is also adorned
and armed against peevishness and sudden wrath, and impatience in
suffering; which often stir a man from within and from without, and
lay him open to many temptations.
Chapter 15: Of Patience
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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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