Message of 3-8-10
Published: Sat, 03/06/10
- resources for prayer and spiritual growth
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MESSAGE OF THE DAY
I know success or failure in my life or ministry does not depend on
my own skill or even on external circumstances, it depends only on
my faithfulness. God will give me the gifts necessary to do
whatever He calls me to do, and He will not be hindered in His work
by circumstances.
- Lester Sumrall
(Affirmation: "God will give me the gifts necessary to [you fill in
the blank].")
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SCRIPTURE READINGS
http://www.nccbuscc.org/nab/
2 Kgs 5:1-15ab; Ps. 42:2, 3; 43:3, 4; Lk 4:24-30
R. Athirst is my soul for the living God.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
As the hind longs for the running waters,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
Athirst is my soul for God, the living God.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
Send forth your light and your fidelity;
they shall lead me on
And bring me to your holy mountain,
to your dwelling-place.
When shall I go and behold the face of God?
Then will I go in to the altar of God,
the God of my gladness and joy;
Then will I give you thanks upon the harp,
O God, my God!
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REFLECTION ON THE SCRIPTURES
- from "Daily Bread"
http://www.preacherexchange.com/daily_bread.htm
"With this, he turned about in anger and left.
We all know the frustration of being afflicted with injury, illness
or disease. We know, too, how that aggravation is compounded when
a cure seems unreasonably hard to come by. Red tape, waiting,
expenses, vile medicines, irksome side effects, slow-towork
therapies -- so many things add insult to injury. Like Naaman, we
may need to realize that our bad attitude is only adding another
impediment to the healing process. When we are ill, may we be
patient, trusting and grateful for whatever is available to aid our
healing. When we are well, let us make it our special care to cheer
on those who are not in good health.
"For the sense to cooperate with the grace of healing, we pray."
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THE ADORNMENT OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
by St. John of Rusybroeck (1293-1381)
By meekness the irascible or repulsive power remains unmoved, in
quietude; the desirous power is uplifted toward virtue; the
rational power, perceiving this, rejoices. And the conscience,
tasting it, rests in peace; for the second mortal sin, Anger, fury,
or wrath, has been cast out. For the Spirit of God dwells in the
humble and the meek; and Christ says: Blessed are the meek, for
they shall inherit the earth, that is, their own nature and all
earthly things, in meekness; and after that the Country of Life in
Eternity.
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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