Message of 3-15-10
Published: Sat, 03/13/10
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
Truth and error are not separated by a no-man's land which is
neither the one nor the other and which prudence would urge us to
shun. On the contrary, truth and error touch along their whole
course. Truth advances up to error all the way, but no farther; to
stop short of that limit, if only to remain at a safe distance,
would be to fall into error and to stamp as false what is still
true. . . If the systems are true, they will shun the peril by
themselves; for truth of itself, without any need of our
apprehensions and our stratagems, has the resources to avoid
conversion into error.
- Emile Mersch, "The Theology of the Mystical Body"
[The truth shall set you free (Jn 8: 32), so do not shirk from it
this day.]
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
Is 65:17-21; Ps. 30:2 and 4, 5-6, 11-12a and 13b; Jn 4:43-54
R. (2a) I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me.
I will extol you, O LORD, for you drew me clear
and did not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O LORD, you brought me up from the nether world;
you preserved me from among those going down into the pit.
Sing praise to the LORD, you his faithful ones,
and give thanks to his holy name.
For his anger lasts but a moment;
a lifetime, his good will.
At nightfall, weeping enters in,
but with the dawn, rejoicing.
"Hear, O LORD, and have pity on me;
O LORD, be my helper."
You changed my mourning into dancing;
O LORD, my God, forever will I give you thanks.
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"Your son will live."
Jesus speaks healing words, and a child begins to recover, a father
to hope. Isaiah speaks of a new heaven and a new earth, and those
who listen envision a better world. Is there anything more powerful
than the human voice? We create the world we want -- workplace,
neighborhood, church, family -- first by speaking it. If we speak
words of derision, ridicule and hatred, we create a world of
sadness and violence. If we speak words of kindness, gentleness and
love, we create a world of joy and peace. Too simple? Try living it
for a week and see if your world doesn't seem brighter.
"Creator God, you who created the world with a word, give us the
grace to speak the world for which we long. Amen."
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THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
Out of the same source wherein meekness takes its rise springs
kindliness, for none can be kind save the meek man.
This kindness makes a man show a friendly face, and give a cordial
response, and do compassionate deeds, to those who are quarrelsome,
when he hopes that they will come to know themselves and mend their
ways.
By gentleness and kindness, charity is kept quick and fruitful in
man, for a heart full of kindness is like a lamp full of precious
oil; for the oil of mercy enlightens the erring sinner with good
example, and with words and works of comfort it anoints and heals
those whose hearts are wounded or grieved or perplexed. And it is a
fire and a light for those who dwell in the virtues, in the fire of
charity; and neither jealousy nor envy can perturb it.
Chapter 17: Of Kindness
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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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